Funds promised for restoration of Zeizmariai synagogue

  • 2013-11-01
  • From wire reports, ZIEZMARIAI

Representatives of Lithuania’s Department of Cultural Heritage together with Faina Kukliansky, chairperson of the Jewish (Litvak) community of Lithuania, visited a unique cultural monument late last month – the wooden synagogue in Ziezmariai, reports ELTA.

The discussion with the representatives of the local culture center, municipality and local community focused on the best way to bring this heritage building to life.

Diana Varnaite, director at the Department of Cultural Heritage said: “Sadly, there are no Jewish left in Ziezmariai; therefore, this unique wooden synagogue could not be used for its intended purpose. As a result, the municipality has a discussion with the Jewish community that owns the synagogue as to how it should be preserved and restored."

She added: "We will also hold discussions with the Ziezmariai Culture Center and we will regard the opinion of the local community before we make the final decision on the purpose of the restored synagogue, so that it would adapt best to the needs of society and attract visitors,”

Varnaite also said that she welcomed the goodwill of the municipality, local culture center as well as the Jewish community to preserve Jewish heritage. The director of Department of Cultural Heritage assured that the necessary funds for the preservation of this unique building would be obtained.