The Wandering Jews with Trudy Gold

The Jews of Lithuania

After the bloodshed of World War I, Lithuania became independent, with a Jewish population of over 150,000 people. They were integral to the economic life of the country. However, by the end of WWII over 95% of Lithuanian Jewry had been murdered both by Germans and their Lithuanian collaborators.

This three week Series will examine Lithuania’s rich and tragic history and explore many of the personalities whose lives were lived against momentous events.

Session 3

The Jewish community was caught between communists, Nazis, and Lithuanian fascists. This is the terrible story of the destruction of a great and unique civilization. Nevertheless it is peppered with great incidents of heartbreaking heroism and the extraordinary story of the Japanese consul who saved thousands of Jews including students of the Mir Yeshiva.