Jewish Heritage Europe

Lithuania [UPDATED]: Jewish community closed Vilnius Synagogue for 2 days citing security concerns following removal of plaque honoring anti-Soviet hero who also was Holocaust collaborator

Citing security threats, the Lithuanian Jewish Community (LJC)  on August 6 ordered the closure of the Vilnius Choral Synagogue and the Jewish community offices. The closure prompted criticism from within the Jewish community, and the buildings were reopened two days … continue reading →

Ukraine: Memorial concert for the author Joseph Roth is held at the hulking ruins of the synagogue in Brody, Ukraine — the town he was born in 125 years ago. Centerpiece is Leonard Bernstein’s “Kaddish”

The hulking, tragic ruins of the synagogue in Brody, Ukraine were the backdrop for a memorial symphonic concert honoring the great Jewish writer Joseph Roth, who was born in Brody 125 years ago (when it was at the eastern edge … continue reading →

Hungary: Dedication of restored grave of Hungarian Jewish Olympics hero who also designed Budapest Holocaust memorial

In occasion of the European Maccabi Games — taking place this week in Budapest, the family monument in Budapest’s vast Kozma utca Jewish cemetery marking the grave of Alfréd Hajós, the first Hungarian and first Jewish Olympic Champion,  has been … continue reading →

Ukraine: “In Our Synagogue” – film shot in the Khust synagogue and based on a Kafka story, wins Odessa Film Festival award

A film called “In Our Synagogue” and shot in part in the synagogue in Khust, southwest Ukraine, has won the International Federation of Film Critics (FIPRESCI) Best Short Film prize, in the National competition program, at the Odessa International Film … continue reading →

Have Your Say: At Oświęcim/Auschwitz: Honoring Those Who Died By Remembering How They Lived

In our new Have Your Say essay, Maciek Zabierowski describes the latest commemorative project of the  Auschwitz Jewish Center in Oświęcim, Poland — the town outside which the Auschwitz death camp was built. It was known in Yiddish as Oshpitzin. … continue reading →