Travel to Sokal in Ukraine, Travel Destinations

The Intriguing History of Sokal and its Surrounds

Sokal is a city in the Lviv Oblast of Ukraine. During the years 1918 to 1944 it was considered to be a part of Poland. Today, it is a quiet and beautiful little city with a population of approximately 22 000 residents. It is also a city that is rich in history, especially in regard to the Jewish community.

There are many smaller villages and towns that are in close proximity to Sokal. One of these villages does not exist anymore, namely Uhryniv. It was a peaceful community during the 18th and 19th centuries until the year 1947. Because this part of the Sokal region was occupied by the Polish, it also fell victim to the program for the resettlement of Jewish communities. Most of the villagers fled, leaving behind their beloved village, which was renamed to Dibrivka. Border negotiations between Ukraine and Poland led to the region being transferred to Ukraine, and the name change of the village. For all intent and purposes, the village and its inhabitants no longer existed. Recently, this village was remembered, by the display of rare ornaments, Easter Eggs, ceramics and other artifacts put on exhibit in New York.

The Jewish cemetery in Sokal does still exist, with the last documented burial taking place in the year 1941. Unfortunately, not much remains to indicate that it is a cemetery, with it being severely damaged during World War II. Not many people stop here, so the cemetery lies quietly and forgotten between rows of urban development. An interesting attraction to visit in Sokal, is the History Museum of Sokal. It contains many fascinating pieces of the past and is a wealth of information, in regard to the entire Lviv region.

Josif Shtokalo is not only seen as a famous person in Ukraine because of his mathematical skills, but is known as the historical founder of mathematics of the Soviet. The city of Sokal is proud to have been the birthplace of this fascinating genius, on 16 November 1897. Sokal fell into the international spotlight recently, with the movie "On the Side of Angels", being filmed in a few locations around the region. It is based on the biographical diary written by Moche Maltz. The diary tells the heroic story of a Sokal resident that hid fleeing Jews in her hayloft.

The Holocaust was a traumatic time in the lives of many Jewish communities; it left wounds that can never be healed. Only through remembrance and tributes can we truly honor the brave and courageous souls that risked their lives to save others, and remember those who were wrongfully persecuted.