Memorial to Ukrainian, Polish and Jewish town defenders unveiled in Sataniv

On 16 August, in the ancient settlement of Sataniv of Horodok District of Khmelnytskyi region, at the town’s medieval gate, a memorial sign “In memory of all the defenders of Sataniv” has been installed in honor of representatives of the three largest local communities who defended the native town shoulder to shoulder in the past. The inscription on the stone is in Ukrainian, Polish and Hebrew,” reported Dmytro Panair to RISU.

At one time, Sataniv was a border town which was constantly attacked by Tatars and Turks. When the enemies approached the walls of the town, representatives of all the communities climbed the walls to defend their home. The reminders of those times are the ruins of a castle (14th-17th centuries), the Monastery of the Holy Trinity, which looks like a fortress, the town gate built in the 15th-16th century and renewed in the 18th century.

Even the famous fortified Jewish synagogue of the 16th century looks like a small castle. In the past, there were canons on its roof and it was an important defense unit of the town.

The idea to install the memorial sign was conceived by regional experts. A local businessman and regional specialist, Viacheslav Kosyk, agreed to finance and manage the project. The initiative was supported by the Horodok District State Administration.

The opening ceremony was attended by local residents, representatives of the local authorities, Polish and Jewish national and cultural societies, representatives of various churches, foreign diplomats.

“It is wonderful that Ukraine’s first common monument to Ukrainians, Poles and Jews, who jointly defended their native land, was erected in the Horodok District. It was the Podoliany [editor: residents of Khmelnytskyi and neighboring regions] who set an example for everyone of the ability of the past not only to separate but also to unite. Only united can we advance into the future,” said the head of the Horodok District Council, Oleksandr Vorotnyi.

Prayers for the repose of the defenders of Sataniv were said by Christian priests and a member of the Council of Khmelnytsk Synagogue. It was the first joint service of the Orthodox and Greek Catholic priests in the district.