A pogrom is a violent riot aimed at the persecution of a particular ethnic or religious group, often resulting in mass killings, destruction of property, and forced displacement. Historically, pogroms have primarily targeted Jewish communities, especially in Eastern Europe during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The term originated in the Russian Empire, where organized attacks against Jews occurred, fueled by social tensions and scapegoating. Pogroms are characterized by mob violence and are often tolerated or even encouraged by local authorities, leading to widespread fear and trauma within the affected communities, such as those in Ukraine and Poland.