Lithuania’s contribution to foster Jewish life presented at the Conference on Combating Anti-Semitism in the OSCE region
At the Conference on Combating Anti-Semitism in the OSCE region, convened by the Polish OSCE Chairmanship-in-Office in Warsaw on 7-8 February 2022, Mr. Marius Janukonis, Director of the Communication and Cultural Diplomacy Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania, reviewed Lithuania’s achievements in preserving historical memory of the Lithuania’s Jews and their heritage.
A steadily rising interest in Jewish life, traditions and history has been observed in Lithuania due to the continuous efforts and initiatives of the Lithuanian Government, active local Jewish community, and their local and international partners. As best example of such cooperation, M. Janukonis noted a recently completed Edward Blank YIVO Vilna Online Collections project between YIVO institute in New York and Lithuanian institutions on conservation, digitization and publishing of the YIVO pre-war archives. He also drew attention to the development of new museum spaces, continuous renovation of memorials and synagogues, promotion of education and research of the Jewish history and culture.
"Continuous efforts to foster Jewish life is a significant component for the country’s democratic development and strengthening of its identity”, Mr. Janukonis noted.
The Conference was held at the POLIN Museum, a highly symbolic place that embodies an inseparable part the history of Europe - the historical memory of the European Jews.
