Lithuania commemorates Holocaust victims in Rokiškis and Jurbarkas

In 2026 Lithuania will observe the 85th anniversary of the Holocaust’s start. The International Commission for evaluating Nazi and Soviet crimes has launched the national remembrance project “Atminties kelias 1941–2026”, inviting communities to honour the victims.

In the Rokiškis district, the regional museum is organising a series of events from July to September. Activities include a bike ride to Šeduikiškis forest on 10 July, an exhibition of poet Matilda Olkinaitė, a memorial walk in Velniaduobės forest, and an official ceremony on 23 September at the Antanašės Holocaust victims’ burial site.

In Jurbarkas, on 3 July local officials, the public library and the International Commission held a ceremony at the former Jewish cemetery and mass‑killing site where more than 300 Jews were murdered in 1941. The programme featured speeches by Mayor Skirmantas Mockevičius, a prayer by opera soloist Rafailas Karpis, and references to the work of local sculptor Vinco Grybas and a memorial complex funded by the Zundelovičiai family. Both towns aim to preserve historical memory, honour the victims and engage residents in remembrance activities.