Until 1940, Brichany, Bessarabia (now Briceni, Moldova) had been a thriving market town serving some 20 surrounding villages in northern Bessarabia. It was principally a Jewish town with a Christian quarter. Most earned their living as craftsmen or traders, but some were involved in tobacco farming or fruit orchards. Due to Brichany's close proximity to the Romanian and Austrian borders, there was also an important transport business.

Moishe Bershtayn was the owner of three estates, two mills, and a whiskey factory. However, his wealth and prominence did not save his family when the...