Michael Shemyavitz's 90th Birthday — Association of Jews of Vilna and vicinity in Israel

We assembled at Beit Vilna to celebrate Michael Shemyavitz's 90^th birthday with a great deal of love and excitement; Michael is the outgoing chairman of the Association and its honorary president. The hall was decorated and the refreshments that were served consisted solely of home-style Vilna dishes. Many of his friends who had accompanied him through his life's journey, his incredible wife and the love of his life, Paula, his children and grandchildren from Israel and abroad and relatives were all there in the hall. The honorary consul of Lithuania in Israel, the managing director of the Center for Holocaust Organizations and the Chief Rabbi of Ashdod Rabbi Yosef Sheinin were also present. The well-wishers included the Lithuanian ambassador to Israel, Mr. Edminas Bagdonas and the chairperson of the Center for Holocaust Organizations, Ms. Colette Avital, his family and friends. There was also a message from the chairman of the Lohamei Hagetaot (Ghettos fighters) museum.

The Vilna choir sang and Ella Shek lovingly dedicated a special poem to Michael. Mickey Kantor read a special message from the former Lithuanian ambassador to Israel, Darius Degutis and his wife Nida.

The home-style refreshments were prepared by the members of the Association's cultural committee.