History of the Jewish Community in Walka: Transition, Flourishing, and Destruction

These sources document the history of the Jewish community in the city of Valga (also known as Walk), located on the border between Estonia and Latvia. The documents present a historical overview beginning with the founding of the community in 1859 by discharged soldiers, through the flourishing of independent educational, cultural, and religious institutions, and up to detailed nominal lists of local families and residents. The information includes demographic and statistical data on the growth of the Jewish population and its economic integration in commerce and industry over the years. A significant section is devoted to the Holocaust period, detailing the German occupation, the bitter fate of the Jews who did not manage to flee to Russia, and the destruction of the community in 1941. In conclusion, the archive serves as vital testimony of memory to the rich Jewish life that was cut short in this region בעקבות the war.

The history of the Jewish community in Estonia, as reflected through the experiences of the communities in the cities of Valga (Valga; in German: Walk) and Viljandi (Viljandi; in German: Fellin), presents a picture of growth from the first settlement of discharged soldiers in the 19th century to cultural flourishing and autonomy during the period of Estonian independence, which was brutally cut short in the Holocaust.

The Beginning of Settlement and the Establishment of the Communities (19th Century)

The beginnings of the Jewish communities in these cities are connected with discharged soldiers from the army of Tsar Nicholas I (known as “Cantonists”). In Valga, the community was founded in 1859 by three soldiers who had served there: David Leibson, Zerach Hirschblum, and Zalman Jacobson (E4-3f, E4-4f). In 1863, the Jews purchased a Torah scroll and established a public place of worship, and in 1869 the cemetery was founded (E4-3f, E4-4f). The first rabbi of the community was Rabbi M. Lichtenstein, and in 1871 a synagogue was established in the home of the philanthropist Yoske Shein (E4-3f, E4-4f).

In Viljandi, the community began to take shape at the beginning of the 19th century with the arrival of discharged soldiers, among them Paulovski and Vabrona (E4-3f). In 1865, the Jews of the city rented a special house that served as a synagogue (E4-3f).

Demographic Growth and Political Activity

The number of Jews in Valga grew steadily: from 339 persons in 1881 (8% of the city’s residents) to a peak of 784 persons on the eve of World War I in 1914 (E4-3f, E4-4f). Most of the Jews at that time, about 75%, declared Yiddish as their mother tongue (E4-3f, E4-4f).

After the February Revolution of 1917, public activity in the community intensified. Branches of political movements such as Poalei Zion, the Bund, and the Zionist Organization were established (E4-3f, E4-4f). During the Estonian War of Independence (1918–1920), 24 Jewish young men from Valga served in the Estonian army (E4-4f).

The Period of Independence and Cultural Autonomy (1920–1940)

In 1920, following the determination of the border between Estonia and Latvia, the city of Valga was divided between the two states (E4-1f, E4-3f). Some of the Jewish families remained on the Latvian side, Walka, and some on the Estonian side, Valga, which led to the establishment of separate institutions (E4-1f).

During this period, Estonian Jewry enjoyed cultural autonomy. In Valga, a “Cultural Council” was established in 1926 (E4-3f). The flagship institution of the community was the Hebrew school, founded that same year and serving as a cultural center (E4-3f, E4-4f). The language of instruction in the school was Hebrew, and it was supported by the municipality (E4-4f). Its notable principals were G. Slavitsky and Y. Bakshat (E4-3f). Alongside the school, many youth movements operated: Maccabi, Hashomer Hatzair – Netzach, and Beitar (E4-3f, E4-4f).

Economically, about 40% of Valga’s Jews were engaged in commerce, while the rest were workers, craftsmen, and members of the liberal professions (E4-3f, E4-4f). Their economic condition was generally described as satisfactory (E4-4f).

The Holocaust Period and the Destruction

With the signing of the Ribbentrop-Molotov Pact and the annexation of Estonia to the Soviet Union in the summer of 1940, public and Jewish activity ceased and the institutions were dismantled (E4-3f, E4-4f). After Germany invaded the Soviet Union on June 22, 1941, flight eastward into Russia began (E4-3f, E4-4f).

The city of Valga was occupied by the Germans on July 8, 1941 (E4-1f). The Jews who remained in the city were murdered during the summer and autumn of 1941 by members of Sonderkommando 1A with the assistance of Estonian collaborators (E4-3f, E4-4f). At the end of 1941, Estonia was declared “Judenrein” (free of Jews) (E4-1f).

Note on interesting sources: source E4-3f is of crucial importance, since it contains a very detailed chronological historical overview of the communities in Valga and Viljandi, including accurate demographic tables and the names of central figures in the community. In addition, source E4-2f provides a rare glimpse into everyday life through a list of names and addresses of Jewish families in Valga, making it possible to reconstruct the geographical distribution of the community in the city.

List of Sources

• E4-1f : Brief historical overview of Valga, the division of the city, and the Holocaust period.
• E4-2f : List of names and addresses of Jewish residents in the city of Valga.
• E4-3f : Comprehensive document including demographic data, a detailed historical overview of Valga and Viljandi, and details on cultural and educational life.
• E4-4f : Historical overview in English of the Valga community, including details on its establishment and its economic and social institutions.

E4-1f

E4-2f

E4-3f

E4-4f

E4-5f

** end of Valga files **

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