Holocaust Memorial day 2026 at Beit Vilna — Association of Jews of Vilna and vicinity in Israel

In April 2026, we gathered at Beit Vilna for a memorial ceremony in remembrance of our family members from Vilna and the surrounding towns who were murdered in the Holocaust.

In light of the war, this year—unlike in previous years—the ceremony was held at Beit Vilna rather than at Kiryat Shaul cemetery.

Participants lit memorial candles in the Remembrance Room, heard eulogies delivered by the Association’s Chair, Mickey Kantor, as well as remarks from representatives of the next generations. The names of family members from the Vilna Ghetto were read aloud, and Rabbi Shaul Farber recited a prayer.

Representatives of the Lithuanian Embassy in Israel and members of the Naval Engineering Department of the Israeli Navy also attended the event.

Sivan Rom, a retired officer from the Naval Engineering  Department of the Israeli Navy and today an integral part of Beit Vilna, wrote the following:

“The morning before last, I attended the moving Holocaust Remembrance Day ceremony at Beit Vilna and was asked by you to say a few words.

Holocaust survivors, members of the second generation, and Israeli Navy soldiers took part in the ceremony.

It is hard to believe that 20 years have passed since we (Zeev, myself, and the Beit Vilna leadership) created the connection between today’s generation of fighters and those whose only ‘pink dream’ was simply to be a free people in their own land with a protective army—living without daily persecution and without having to survive under inhuman conditions.

After every such encounter, participants leave with a sparkle in their eyes and joy in their hearts.

The survivors feel they have reached a safe harbor and have been part of shaping and building the most unique country in the world, and the soldiers gain renewed motivation to carry out their duties around the clock with even greater professionalism and dedication.

Thank you to all the soldiers and to the brave smartphone generation that protects us 24/7 and does wonderful work to ensure that the Jewish people will survive for at least another 4,000 years.

Am Israel Chai.”