For Longing and Hope: an event to commemorate the Day of Remembrance of the Genocide of Lithuanian Jews

On September 24, 2026, the Kaunas Ninth Fort Museum will host an event dedicated to commemorating the Day of Remembrance for the Victims of the Genocide of the Lithuanian Jews.

The Holocaust, which began in Lithuania 85 years ago, left deep scars on the country's history – about 200,000 Jews who lived here were murdered. The Jewish community, which had been built over centuries, along with its nurtured culture and achievements, was brutally destroyed. At the Kaunas Ninth Fort and throughout Lithuania, thousands of children, men, and women lost their lives simply because of their nationality, faith, or traditions.

On September 24 at 6:00 PM, the choral suite "For Longing and Hope" (Ilgesiui ir vilčiai), dedicated to the Frenkel family and all Lithuanian Jews, will be performed in the event hall of the Kaunas Ninth Fort Museum. The piece will be performed by the Šiauliai State Chamber Choir "Polifonija" together with a group of professional instrumentalists.

According to the authors of the work, the seven-part musical composition is like a seven-branched Jewish menorah, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness. The choral suite marks the Frenkel family's contributions to the city of Šiauliai and the entire state, while inviting us to reflect on the centuries-long coexistence of Jews and Lithuanians with undying longing and hope.

Chaimas Frenkelis was one of the most prominent Lithuanian entrepreneurs of the early 20th century, who made Šiauliai famous as a global center for leather processing. The Frenkel family was also known for their patronage and philanthropic activities.

After the musical performance, event participants will be invited to gather in fellowship and participate in a ceremony honoring the victims of the Lithuanian Jewish genocide at the mass murder field of the Ninth Fort.

The event is free.

Program: 6:00 PM Choral suite "For Longing and Hope" dedicated to the memory of Lithuanian Jews At the Kaunas Ninth Fort Museum event hall (Žemaičių pl. 73, Kaunas) Šiauliai State Chamber Choir "Polifonija", actress Nomeda Bėčiūtė, conductor Linas Balandis, Egidijus Ališauskas (birbynė), Matas Ričkus (electric guitar), Dainius Rudvalis (double bass), Arkadijus Gotesmanas (percussion). The text was written by Vladas Braziūnas, and the music was composed by Gintautas Venislovas.

Advance registration is required: click here