What was discovered in December 2022 related to the Warsaw Ghetto uprising?

A long-forgotten reel of photographs taken from inside the Warsaw ghetto during the 1943 uprising was discovered in an attic.

Who secretly took photographs during the Warsaw Ghetto uprising?

Firefighter Zbigniew Leszek Grzywaczewski, aged 23 at the time, secretly captured photographs from inside the ghetto during the uprising.

Where can I watch the documentary '33 Photos from the Ghetto' in the U.S.?

In the U.S., '33 Photos from the Ghetto' premieres on HBO on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at 9 p.m. ET/PT and can also be streamed on HBO Max.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Hidden Photos Reveal Warsaw Ghetto Uprising Secrets

Hidden Photos Reveal Warsaw Ghetto Uprising Secrets

27 Jan

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Summary

Rare photos taken inside the Warsaw ghetto during 1943 uprising discovered.
Photographs were secretly captured by firefighter Zbigniew Grzywaczewski.
Images document the rebellion and deportations to Treblinka gas chambers.

Hidden Photos Reveal Warsaw Ghetto Uprising Secrets

The 1943 Warsaw ghetto uprising, World War II's largest civilian rebellion, saw 29 days of desperate resistance by its Jewish and Romani inhabitants. A significant discovery in December 2022 revealed a reel of photographs taken from within the ghetto during this period. Firefighter Zbigniew Leszek Grzywaczewski, then 23, secretly documented the events while on duty to prevent fires from spreading to nearby German factories.

These photographs are the only known images of the uprising not taken by German forces. They depict smoke from burning buildings, German soldiers with Polish firemen, and likely scenes of individuals being herded to the Umschlagplatz for deportation to Treblinka's gas chambers. Grzywaczewski's role in the resistance was far more extensive than even his family knew.

A documentary titled "33 Photos from the Ghetto" explores Grzywaczewski's story and contextualizes his powerful snapshots. The film is accessible via streaming platforms, with specific viewing options available in the U.S. on HBO and HBO Max starting January 27, 2026. For viewers outside the U.S., a VPN is recommended to bypass geo-restrictions and watch the documentary.