east of the Bug were in the hands of the Soviets. Therefore, the Bug, as a river dividing two such diametrically different regimes and states, which only artificially and under the false mask of friendship had formed a non-aggressionpact in August, became a border of great significance to the Jewish population. It marked the limit of the territory in which Jews suffered many restric-tions and persecutions, while the area that stretched on the opposite shore was meant to ensure freedom and equality for the Jewish community. Good news was coming from Jews living in cities on the Soviet side, such as Białystok, Lvov, Brześć, and others, saying that they were able to settle comfortably, that they enjoyed civil rights on an equal footing with other residents, and that their Jewish nationality did not present obstacles for them nor prevent them from holding any kind of position and office.
Such news, coupled with the situation in German-occupied areas, caused thousands of Jews from various villages to decide to attempt to get to t he other side and settle in the Soviet Union. It should also [2] be noted that inthe case of some Jews the decision was greatly influenced by their politicalbeliefs. Many had made plans to cross to the Soviet side even while they were still in Kalisz.3 Entire families, and especially the youth, left the city with the intention of reaching Russia. It even happened several times that couples who were interned in the market hall got married so that they could make that trip together and settle in Russia (for example, Miss Judyta Horowicz married Mr Głowiński in the hall, and Miss Wera Bakiel married Mr Josef Weissberg). Young people were enticed primarily by the prospect of being able to continue their interrupted studies, as well as by the availability of jobs in their respective professions, and – first and foremost – by freedom and liberty, the lack of which they felt so badly there. Those young people had been brutally and suddenly torn from their normal way of living and were affected by the recent great shocks and changes. Banished from their permanent places of residence,
