Commemoration of Rescuers of Lithuanian Jews at the Museum
- 5 days ago
- 2 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
On March 15, 2026, the Lost Shtetl Museum together with Šiauliai County Jewish Community hosted a special event at the Museum to mark the National Day of Rescuers of Lithuanian Jews, honoring Lithuanians who risked their lives and freedom to save Jews during the Holocaust. The event brought together politicians, diplomats, members of the Jewish community, teachers, students, and all who value historical memory.
Musical Opening
The ceremony began with a heartfelt performance by pupils from Šiauliai Juventa Progymnasium, performing “Hevenu Shalom Aleichem.” The music created a reflective and respectful atmosphere, inviting attendees to remember the courage and humanity of Lithuanian rescuers.
Guest Speeches
Key speakers included Jonas Dovydaitis, director of the Lost Shtetl Museum; Lars Wahlund, Swedish Ambassador to Lithuania; Ingrida Šimonytė, Member of the Seimas and former Prime Minister; Paulė Kuzmickienė, Member of the Seimas; Rašella Galinienė, Chairperson of the Šiauliai County Jewish Community; and Pranas Grigalaitis, descendant of rescuers.
Speakers emphasized the bravery of Lithuanians who rescued Jews, the importance of civic responsibility, and preserving historical memory for future generations.
Testimony of a Holocaust Survivor
A particularly moving moment was the remote testimony of survivor Pinchus Nol. His story reminded attendees that the histories of rescuers are not just events of the past – they live on through the lives of those they saved and continue to inspire future generations.
The Paluckai family, descendants of rescuers, were also honored during the event, providing a personal testament to courage and humanity under life-threatening circumstances.
Opening of the “Righteous Among the Nations” Exhibition
The museum also opened a temporary exhibition, “Righteous Among the Nations,” curated by Tauras Budzys. The exhibition presents 40 stories of Lithuanians who rescued Jews and the people they saved, preserving their legacy.
Tauras Budzys has long worked to honor the memory of rescuers, ensuring their graves in Lithuania are marked with Righteous Among the Nations plaques.
Reading of Rescuers’ Names
A key part of the ceremony was the reading of Šiauliai County Lithuanian rescuers’ names. The Lost Shtetl Museum joined the national initiative – names of rescuers were read simultaneously across Lithuania.
238 names were read, each representing a life saved and a story of courage and humanity.
Stories of Courage and Compassion
Sister Leonora shared the remarkable life of Sister Marija Rusteikaitė, founder of the Sisters of Divine Providence, a dedicated physician and educator. During World War II, Sister Marija bravely saved 15 Jewish lives, exemplifying courage and selfless humanity.
The stories of Lithuanians who rescued Jews remind us that even in the darkest periods of history, individuals can choose bravery and compassion. These accounts remain a vital part of our shared past and continue to inspire us to honor memory, uphold values, and act with courage for generations to come.
Musical Closing
The event concluded with a performance of “Dona Dona” (music by Shalom Secunda, lyrics by Aaron Zeitlin) by Šiauliai Juventa Progymnasium pupils, providing a reflective and poignant close to the commemoration.