Druja
In Polish Druja.
A small town, near the Lithuanian border, Belarus.
The Jewish community is mentioned in the 16th century. Many Jews there were occupied in the local soap industry. The community numbered 1,305 in 1766; 2,366 in 1847; 3,006 in 1897 (out of a total population of 4,742); 1,011 (41%) in 1921; and 1,800 in 1925. The Alter Druyanow was born was born in Druya.
On the eve of world war II the population of Druya numbered about 1,500.
Between October 1939 and June 1941 Druya was occupied by the Soviets. On July 6, 1941, after the outbreak of the German-Soviet war, the Germans entered the town. During the first days of the war many people accused of allegiance to the Soviets were killed. In the spring of 1942 a ghetto was created. On June 17, 1942, the Germans surrounded the ghetto in order to liquidate it. The inhabitants tried to break out and some groups succeeded in reaching the forests. In order to prevent a mass escape, the Germans shot at Jews and set the ghetto aflame. Some of those who escaped to the forest joined the partisans around the village of Balnia and participated in activites against the Germans. About 50-60 persons survived.
From: Beit Hatfutsot
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