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.]"