History of the Association — Association of Jews of Vilna and vicinity in Israel

History of the Association / The late Michael Shemyavitz (2003)

At the end of World War II, Holocaust survivors reached Israel, bringing the disastrous news of the extermination of Vilna’s Jews. A group of activists originally from Vilna, came together in 1946 to form the "Association of Vilna Immigrants for Aid and Rescue." The Association’s regulations - some of which are detailed below - reflect the needs arising from ongoing hardships, the main ones focusing on providing assistance to survivors and commemorating the city's martyrs:

1. "To provide support and assistance to members from Vilna and surroundings, who settled or intend to settle in Eretz-Israel, and arrange economic support for their life in the country.”
2. "To collect material on experiences of Jews in Vilna and its surroundings, and especially the history of Vilna’s Jews during World War II."

With warmth, devotion and passion, our members worked to realize the goals set by the Association. Cultural activities and lectures, memorial marches, creation of a choir - all these took place in Tel Aviv’s various halls and clubs. Lack of permanent venue caused breakdowns and damaged the sequence of activities. When the need grew, it was decided to establish Beit Vilna. The Beit Vilna  Establishment Committee and the Association’s activists gathered at the home of President Zalman Shazar, a native of Mir, himself deeply connected to the Vilna heritage. The President gave his blessing and promised his support for the establishment of Beit Vilna.

A committee was established, which included David Yutan, Natan Basilian, Moshe Weinstein, Golda Gordonovich – may their memories be blessed - and Haim Shalit – may he live long. The Committee began a fundraising campaign from members in Israel and abroad, and once the Glubocki Association also donated funds, the property was purchased, and organization members were given part ownership.

Beit Vilna hosted an extensive cultural activity: the "Vilner Club” (Vilna Club), initiated and managed for many years by members Leibel Korisky and Yehiel Burgin. Once a week, members held meetings, including lectures and performances by artists.

The “Vilner-Choir” was also founded and has existed for over 50 years. Its founder was the late Vilna Jew Jishlin. At the start, the choir was comprised of more than 100 people; today about thirty women and men take part, among them Ms. Ella Shek, who has participated since its inception. Tamara Eitzes has been the Choir’s musical director for many years.

For years, a stubborn struggle was waged to ensure the existence of Beit Vilna, which centralizes the community's heritage assets and includes the “Ohel Yizkor” (literally, "Tent of Remembrance") - the memorial site for Vilna’s Holocaust victims. After the Association overcame the difficulties, activities such as renovating the library hall, filing documents, photos and diaries, computing and more, were vigorously renewed, enabling researchers and lovers of the Vilna heritage to reach us.

The establishment of the Vilna website on the Internet is also an important tool to honor the Vilna community - the Jerusalem of Lithuania.

A group of next-generation activists have taken a significant part in the life of the Association, and their blessed work enables us to fulfill the plans and especially ensure the continuity of the Association.

In these days of establishment and hope, we will remember the generation of founders, activists and chairmen of the Association who passed away - those who founded Beit Vilna and cemented its material and spiritual foundations for future generations.