Updated: 29-01-2026
Added: 13-08-2023
Goods sold by the Jews, brought from the West in order to obtain money to buy food on the black market. Street trade was not limited to any specific area. The streets Łagiewnicka, Brzezińska (now Wojska Polskiego Str.), Młynarska and Lutomierska were the main thoroughfares in the ghetto and at the same time the main traffic routes. Every day, people sold Jewish stars (“patches” with the shield of David), shoelaces, thread, wool, matches, socks and hangers. On Fridays, they sold thin Saturday candles as well.
In the summer 1942, when allotments (vide) brought fruit, there were traders selling garlic and onions. When cigarette shops were closed (due to the lack or restriction of tobacco), traders appeared in front of gates and homes selling cigarettes and tobacco. They demanded very high prices for their merchandise. In the summer of 1944, the price of cigarettes sold by street traders was three times higher than the official price. Another common sight were traders selling saccharin and toffies, singing songs they wrote themselves. The Eldest of the Jews banned the street trade for years...
In the summer 1942, when allotments (vide) brought fruit, there were traders selling garlic and onions. When cigarette shops were closed (due to the lack or restriction of tobacco), traders appeared in front of gates and homes selling cigarettes and tobacco. They demanded very high prices for their merchandise. In the summer of 1944, the price of cigarettes sold by street traders was three times higher than the official price. Another common sight were traders selling saccharin and toffies, singing songs they wrote themselves. The Eldest of the Jews banned the street trade for years...