TRADITIONAL LITVAK DAYS BEGAN IN LONDON
The Embassy of the Republic of Lithuania, continuing the Lithuanian EU Presidency programme, together with London Metropolitan Archives and Westminster Synagogue began traditional “Litvak Days in London” on 1 - 2 December 2013.
The first part of the cycle of events was hosted by the Lithuanian Embassy on 1st December 2013 and focused on the importance and influence of the Lithuanian Jewry in the British society from 1880s. More than a hundred representatives from the British and Lithuanian Jewish organisations, archives, universities presented an overview of the rich and vibrant social and religious heritage of this not so familiar wave of immigration. Prof. Egidijus Aleksandravičius, Dr. Nicholas J. Evans and Prof. Michael Berkowitz took on difficult subjects of migration in Lithuania, influence of the Litvak migration to the UK before and after the Second World War.
In her speech, the Ambassador of Lithuania Asta Skaisgirytė Liauškienė said “Litvak immigration to Britain is a historically important phenomenon and is a part of our common heritage. I am convinced that such events facilitate international academic cooperation and research in perpetuation of the true history, and encourage research based on primary data”.
Tomorrow the Litvak Days will be held at the London Metropolitan Archives and Westminster Synagogue in London.
