My grandparents on my dad`s side left Lithuania in the 30`s. Virtually everyone who stayed there was killed. No one in our branch of the family has ever been back. However, I am arranging for my father myself and my sister to visit in September. Although it will be painfull and yes there were a lot of collaborators there, there were also those that helped Jews and partisans and most Lithuanians were born after the war and therefore bear no guilt. Indeed as someone wrote on a similar page here a few months ago - the Soviet occupation is more recent and painful for the Lithuanians so they are going to remember this more.
Lastly, I want to see the land where my ancestors lived for hundreds of years and say Kadish at their graves. We are free now and do not have to fear them, it is our land as well and we should go there to remind them of this fact. We existed and we still esist. Litvak and proud! |
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