VALDEMĀRPILS (known as Sasmaka until 1926), a town (since 1917) in the Talsi District (Republic of Latvia). Known since the 16th century. Part of the Russian Empire from 1795. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, it belonged to the Talsen County of the Courland Governorate. From 1918 to 1940 — part of the Republic of Latvia; from 1940 to 1991 — the Latvian SSR.
In 1881, Valdemārpils had 1,197 Jewish residents (67% of the population); in 1897 — 899 (49%); in 1910 — 454 (34%); in 1920 — 169 (18%); in 1925 — 156 (15%); in 1930 — 161 (14%); and in 1935 — 159 Jews (14%).
Jews had lived in Valdemārpils since the late 18th century. A Jewish community was formed in the early 19th century. Rabbis who served the town included Moyshe-Yitzhok Halevi in the mid-19th century, Moyshe Lerenblat (until 1887), Avrom-Shmuel Dubitsky (1882–1902), Avrom-Shmuel Ravitsky (1887–1901), Avrom-Shmuel Levenberg (1904–1912), and from 1912 — Moyshe Aronblat.
By 1901, a private boys’ school was operating in the town. During World War I, most of the Jewish population left Valdemārpils. The community was re-established in 1920 with the help of the Joint Distribution Committee (JDC). In 1921, a mutual aid fund was opened. Zionist activity was vigorous.
German forces occupied Valdemārpils in early July 1941. The town’s Jews were executed in the autumn of that year.
Valdemārpils was the birthplace of Ephraim Deinard.