Inspiring Others: Global & Local Tributes
The preservation of Vilkaviškis’s Jewish history is a collaborative tapestry. Over the years, it has been deeply moving to see how our efforts have inspired international governments, descendants, and local community groups to launch their own magnificent commemorative projects.
2011 | International Exhibitions & Historical Plaques
The Dutch Ministry of Culture: The Netherlands Ministry of Culture sponsored and hosted a dedicated exhibition in Vilkaviškis honoring the memory of Sara Gaskel.
Yossi Ankorion’s Memorial Plaques: Through a dedicated crowdfunding campaign, Yossi Ankorion successfully organized and placed beautiful commemorative plaques on three vital historic landmarks: The Municipality building, the former Jewish Old Age Home, and the site of the historic Synagogue.
2012 | Honoring Righteous Gentiles: Yossi Sperling crowd-funded a beautiful initiative to bring the daughter and granddaughter of local Righteous Among the Nations (Righteous Gentiles) to Israel, honoring the generational legacy of those who risked their lives to save others.
2013 | A Tribute to Local Sport: Eli Rutstein returned to Vilkaviškis with a unique tribute. He brought brand-new uniforms for the local football club, honoring the legacy of his father, Meir Rutstein, who had been a passionate supporter of the team.
2012–2013 | Descendants Honor the Past
2021 | The Kleinstein Family Stepping Stones, a living history
A Living History: Elena, the Director of the Informal Education Department, organized an incredibly powerful and creative remembrance event. Local school children actively enacted the tragic 1941 arrest of the Vilkaviškis Jews to ensure the youth understood their town's history.
The Memorial: During this event, four Stolpersteine (Stepping Stones) were permanently laid to honor the Kleinstein family. Fittingly, the ceremony took place directly in front of what was once the Jewish primary school.
2023 | The Sara Gaskel Statue
The Lions Club Tribute: In a beautiful collaboration, the local Vilkaviškis Tourist Department and the regional Lions Club commissioned and unveiled a permanent physical statue in honor of Sara Gaskel, permanently etching her memory into the public spaces of the town.