Following the end of World War I, Lwów, a city with a diverse population, became a flashpoint for ethnic and national struggles. The fragile political landscape led to rising tensions particularly between the Polish and Jewish communities, exacerbated by the chaos of the new geopolitical order. On the 21st of November, a pogrom began as Polish nationalists sought to assert their dominance and retaliate against perceived threats from Jews and Ukrainians amidst the uncertain power dynamics of the region. Over the course of three days, violence escalated uncontrollably.

Polish paramilitary groups engaged in violent attacks, looting, and killing, resulting in the deaths of at least 50 Jews and 270 Ukrainian Christians. The brutality of the attacks contributed to a climate of fear, forcing many to flee or seek refuge. In addition to the physical harm inflicted, the pogrom left lasting scars on the local community and strained relations between the different ethnic groups living in Lwów. Witnesses recounted scenes of horror: homes destroyed, families separated, and a community left in shambles.

This tragic episode emphasized the fragility of national identity in a city that had been a crossroads of cultures and religions. The subsequent investigation into the pogrom and the societal repercussions influenced policies regarding ethnic minorities and public safety in the region. Furthermore, the events in Lwów drew international attention to the plight of Jews and the growing nationalist movements across Eastern Europe, which would have far-reaching consequences in the years to follow.