Turbov

A Jewish presence in Turbov was first noted in regard to the second half of the 18th century. The Jews living in Turbov were small-scale merchants or artisans. Despite their small numbers, Jews figured prominently in the economic life of Turbov in the early 20th century, when they owned several stores, warehouses, and a brewery, and leased a windmill. Turbov's Jews suffered from the violence of the years of revolution and civil war in Russia. Scores of Jews lost their lives in the pogroms staged from 1919 to 1922 by various armed gangs, Symon Petliura’s Ukrainian Army, and Polish troops. Many Jews abandoned the town at this time, seeking protection in more secure places. The ban imposed by the Soviet authorities on private economic activity forced Turbov's Jews to search for other means of existence. A number of Jews found employment at the two local tobacco factories. In the early 20th century a Yiddish school was opened in Turbov. In 1939 Turbov's 217 Jews comprised 4.7 percent of the town’s total population. Turbov was occupied by German troops on July 20, 1941. About half of the Jews succeeded in leaving before the arrival of the Germans. The remaining 100 Jews were murdered by members of Einsatzkommando 5 of Einsatzgruppe C in November 1941 on the outskirts of Turbov. The Red Army liberated Turbov on March 14, 1944.