The Destruction and Desecration of Jewish Cemeteries in Lithuania
The story of Lithuania’s Jewish cemeteries is one of both reverence and tragedy. Before World War II, there were between 200 and 240 Jewish cemeteries across the country, each a testament to centuries of communal life. These sites were meticulously maintained by burial societies (chevra Kadisha).
Today, most of Lithuania’s Jewish cemeteries stand abandoned—stones sinking into earth, names fading into silence, memory itself on the brink of vanishing.
Our Mission
MACEVA is a Vilnius-based non-profit organization dedicated to preserving, researching, and promoting Lithuania’s Jewish heritage and history.
What We Do
- The work of MACEVA is guided by deep respect for religious and ethical sensitivities. In accordance with halacha and international best practices, we avoid any disturbance of graves or human remains.
- Documentation: MACEVA systematically photographs all remaining tombstones in Jewish cemeteries across Lithuania. Each stone is carefully catalogued, its Hebrew epitaph transcribed and translated into English, and the information is made accessible through our online database.
- Preservation: Whenever possible, we work to clean, restore, or at least stabilize cemeteries, often in partnership with local municipalities, volunteers, and international organizations.
- Family History Resources: We provide descendants of Lithuanian Jews (Litvaks) with access to our database of documented cemetery entries, helping them trace family connections and honor their ancestors.
- Awareness: We raise awareness among local communities and the broader public about the history and significance of these sites.
Community Engagement
MACEVA’s work is sustained by volunteers and partners in Lithuania and abroad. We work with local authorities to promote stronger protection and better care of Jewish cemeteries. Our database helps descendants worldwide reconnect with their roots through documented gravestones, photos, and translated epitaphs.
Join Us in Preserving Memory
Many Jewish cemeteries in Lithuania are still undocumented or at risk. With your support—time, funding, advocacy, or simply sharing our work—we can preserve dignity, history, and memory.
Support MACEVA
- Volunteer: Join our documentation and preservation projects and contribute your skills.
- Donate: Your financial support enables us to expand our work, maintain our database, and reach more communities.
- Advocate: Raise your voice for the protection of Jewish cemeteries, engage with policymakers, and promote awareness in your community.
- Learn and Remember: Explore our resources and share the stories of Lithuanian Jewry with future generations
Contact us: info@litvak-cemetery.info