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Hidden Photos Reveal Warsaw Ghetto Uprising Secrets
27 Jan
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.
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.
