Belarus

[mendeleyev]

Belarus is an interesting place, and many readers may not realize the role that Belarus played in the Great Patriotic War (WWII). Some of the most fierce battles, loss of life, and ruthless killing of both Jews and Slavs by the Nazi Army took place in Belarus.

Belarus was also home to many of the partisan bands that took shelter in the forests to fight the Germans, and in some cases to liberate themselves from their Communist slave masters. The toll that these groups took on the Germans was no small matter, and aided in the cause of eventual victory for the Red Army and her Allies.

This movie is long, but very worthwhile. It is based on a book about one particular Jewish group in Belarus who took up arms to fight the occupying Germans. The Jewish population in Belarus was significant before the war, but Jews in Belarus paid a terrible price at the hands of the Germans. This movie provides some context in that chapter of history.

[Hammer2722]

I spent 3 weeks in Belarus last year. 1 out of every 4 Belo-Russians died during WWII. If anyone is ever visiting Belarus, I recommend visiting The Khotin (spelling) village massacre just East of Minsk. Very eye opening.

[BorisS]

One of my favorite movies, Mendy...Boris.

[Faux Pas]

That is an excellent movie. I saw it several years ago when it first came out