The Holocaust in Vilkaviskis 5
Righteous Among the Nations: Our Protectors
The Kumpis Family
"Local press coverage of the meeting between Ralph Salinger and the Kumpis family descendants, documenting the house that served as a hiding place."
Vytas Baltutis
"Vytas Baltutis was a priest whose compass was set by humanity. During the war, he worked tirelessly as a 'Life Saver,' providing a path to safety for those the world had abandoned.
His journey eventually took him across the ocean to Canada, but his roots remained in the soil of Vilkaviškis.
Years later, his legacy returned home when his grandson accepted an award in Lithuania on his behalf. As his grandson wrote in a deeply moving letter: 'The award is a testament to the man he was, and the values he passed down to us.'"
Jonas and Uršulė Greimas
The Šneideris & Žemaitaitis Families – Sacrifice and Gratitude
"In the Greimas family, humanity and leadership went hand-in-hand. During the occupation, Juozas Greimas and his family provided a vital shield for those in peril, a choice that defined their family's character for generations.
This legacy was honored in a powerful moment when his son—the former Mayor of Vilkaviškis—traveled to Israel.
Standing at the Holocaust Memorial alongside the Israeli Ambassador and the current Mayor of Vilkaviškis, the family's recognition as Righteous Among the Nations served as a living bridge between our two nations. It was a testament that true leadership is measured by the lives one protects."
The family before the war
n 1945, the son of Petras and Natalija Žemaitaitis was murdered specifically because his family had helped Jews.
In 1979 Natalija plants a tree at Yad Vashem
In 1957 Natalija's daughter and granddaughter arriving at Yad Vashem
"The courage of the Šneideris and Žemaitaitis families came at a staggering cost. While they successfully hid and saved members of the Veberis family, their humanity drew the ire of local nationalists. In 1945, the son of Petras and Natalija Žemaitaitis was murdered specifically because his family had helped Jews.
Decades later, that debt of honor was remembered. In 2012, through a global crowdfunding effort, we were able to bring Petras and Natalija’s daughter and granddaughter to Israel for medical treatment. Standing together at Yad Vashem, the descendants of the rescuers and the rescued proved that while hate can take a life, love can save generations."
Yossi Sperling who made this project possible
In 1957 Natalija's daughter and granddaughter standing by the tree their mother and grandmother planted in 1957