Kailis forced labor camp, Former labor camp in Vilnius, Lithuania.
Kailis labor camp was a factory complex in Vilnius where prisoners manufactured winter clothing and processed fur for German military use during the occupation. The workshops were organized into specialized sections, with workers assigned to specific production units based on their trade skills.
The camp was established in 1941 and housed around 1,500 Jewish workers until its closure in 1944 during the German occupation of Lithuania. It functioned as part of the occupation system where prisoners were forced into military production for the German war effort.
The inmates established educational programs, maintained a library, and organized sports activities within the camp despite their harsh living conditions.
The site is located within the city and now functions as a memorial space where visitors can learn about conditions during the occupation. It is helpful to gather background information before visiting to better understand the historical context.
The camp differed from other facilities through special protective measures for certain workers that temporarily shielded them from further deportations. This relative safety made the location one with significantly better chances of survival compared to other detention sites.
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