Podwoloczyska photograph as of 1912

Podwoloczyska  -  A photograph taken in 1912

Courtesy Norbert Schmidt


Citing Encyclopedia Judaica, Vol. 13, P-Rec:

"Podvolochisk (Pol. Podwoloczyka) town in Tarnopol oblast, Ukrainian S.S.R. Before World War II Podvolochisk was within the Tarnopol district in poland, and was a grain and milling center. Between the two world wars the town included a customs station between Poland and the Soviet Union. In 1865 there were 2,000 inhabitants in the town, the majority of whom were Jews: in 1921 the jews numbered 2,275 (62% of the total population). After World War I, in independant Poland, the economic situation of the Jews became precarious because the town was isolated from its previous markets; trade was reduced and the Jews could not earn for their livelihood. The organization of Jewish merchants attempted to elevate the situation, but could not find a solution of the hostile attitude of the Polish authorities who sought to strengthen the polish element of this border town. The situation became so bad, by 1925, the tradesmen required communal assistance. Jewish life was vibrant in Podvolochisk and community elections were held in 1924 and 1928. Jews also participated in the municipal elections in 1933. Among the rabbis of the community were members of the Babad family, including Joshua Hershel and his son Judah Leibush who was rabbi on the eve of the Holocaust. [Sh. L.K.]

Holocaust Period

With the outbreak of the german-Soviet war, the city was captured by the Germans (July 1941) and about 70 jews were immediately killed. Economic restrictions were decreed, and seizure of jews for forced labor camps began. The Ukrainian population also attacked the Jews. An extension of the Kamionki labor camp was established in the city, a number of streets were marked off by barbed wire, and young Jews were put there. many died of overwork, disease, and torture. In September 1942 a part of the camp population was transferred to Zbaraz and Kamionki. The labor camp in the city was liquidated on June 29, 1943. Those who worked in the Kamionki camp perished later. After the war, the Jewish community was not reconstituted in the city. [Ar.W.]"


Links

Volochisk web page at JewishGEN
Podwolocyska and its surroundings Yizkor!
BZ Stadt Nuernberg: Hermann Kesten Text


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