Discover Our Heritage

Preserving Memory, Restoring Dignity

We are restoring the final surviving synagogue in Anykščiai, Lithuania — a silent witness to centuries of Jewish life, resilience, and tragedy. This sacred space, once a vibrant center of prayer and community, was turned into a bakery during the Soviet era. Today, it stands abandoned — but not forgotten.

Led by Daiva Kasteckaitė, a Lithuanian-born cultural advocate living in the United States, this project aims to transform the synagogue into a museum, educational center, and cultural hub.

Centuries of Jewish Life in Anykščiai

Anykščiai was first mentioned in 1440, growing into a vibrant town where, by 1921, nearly 1,800 Jewish residents helped revitalize the community after World War I. In 1941, the Jewish population faced devastating losses during the Holocaust, leaving a profound void in the town’s cultural fabric. Under Soviet rule, the last remaining synagogue was repurposed as a bakery. Today, that building stands quietly - the final witness to a once-thriving community, and a priceless link to Lithuania’s shared heritage.

A Race Against Time

The COVID-19 pandemic and global economic instability have made restoration difficult. Inflation, deflation, and rising costs have slowed progress - but the urgency remains. Your donation helps us: