You’d never know to see it now, but at one time 45% of all the people in Vilnius – the capital of Lithuania – were Jewish. In fact, it was known as the Jerusalem of Eastern Europe. The Holocaust changed all that. The remaining Jewish population in Lithuania, and in all the republics of the former Soviet Union, then endured many decades of communism – virtually eliminating all outward signs of Jewish life.
I was just in Vilnius, and throughout the Baltic region, to see first-hand our work rebuilding the Jewish community. In a way, you were there with me.
I met many incredible people, including a Jewish woman in Lithuania. Let me share her story with you:
Many of us trace our roots to the Baltics. That’s why I want you to know that our Federation is making a tremendous impact in the rebirth of Jewish life for a new generation of its youth, as well as taking care of elderly who are in dire need of our assistance.
It only happens because of our community’s support, which is truly making a difference locally, in Israel and around the world.
If you would like to make a donation to our Federation, allowing us to help more people in the Batlitcs, please do so now.
Thank you,
Jay Sanderson
President & CEO
Jewish Federation Los Angeles
