Before World War II, Ostrowiec was a small, bustling city in the center of Poland, near the city of Lublin. Known for its iron industry, the town had a community of prosperous businessmen, such as Paula’s grandfather, and also had laborers, artisans, and tradesmen. As in most Polish towns, there was a weekly market in the center of the city where craftsmen sold their goods and farmers sold vegetables and livestock. The Kamienna River ran through the center of town, and the Holy Cross mountains rose to the south.
Approximately 8,000 Jews lived in Ostrowiec before the war. Most of them lived in various states of poverty. Though poor, the community was diverse — some Jews remained Orthodox, and others assimilated completely into society. There was a strong Zionist group in town. Ostrowiec was also the home of a famous Jewish leader, known as the “Ostrowiecer Rebbe.” He had a large following, and people would come from afar for his blessing.
