LITHUANIAN DIASPORA IN ISRAEL BUILDING BRIDGES BETWEEN THEIR MOTHERLAND AND CURRENT HOME COUNTRY
On 16 February, the establishment of the Israeli-Lithuania Friendship Association ISRAELITA was officially announced during a formal celebration of the Day of the Re-establishment of the State of Lithuania at the town hall in the city of Netanya near Tel Aviv.
Founders of the Association are members of the new generation of Litvaks. They are emigrants from Lithuania, who came to Israel over the past few decades.The leader of ISRAELITA is Jakov Katz.
ISRAELITA seeks to develop a comprehensive cooperation between the two nations and the countries in order to contribute to mutual cultural, sport and artistic relations, to develop science, industry and business ties, to promote and favourably present Lithuania in Israel and vice versa, to closely cooperate with the Embassy of Lithuania, Israel‘s representatives in Lithuania, and with all the organizations that aim to bring the two countries closer.
During the celebration, Lithuanian Ambassador to Israel Darius Degutis conveyed greetings of Lithuanian Prime Minister Andrius Kubilius.
Kubilius said: “Lithuania very much appreciates the contribution to the overall mosaic of our history by the Lithuanian Jewish Community, Lithuanian Jews living in Israel and worldwide, and by each “child” of Lithuania. Present-day Lithuania, like Israel, is a young, dynamic, vibrant country with much untapped potential. I am convinced that by pooling our efforts, ideas and creativity, we can achieve much for the benefit of our two countries, for their friendship, prosperity and wellbeing.”
Members of the newly established association also called on the Lithuanian society to set up an analogous organization in Lithuania, thus bringing the two countries and nations together.
Currently, about 200 000 persons of Lithuanian background live in Israel.
