Liepaja Jewish Heritage Foundation events in 2019 are dedicated to the 220-th foundation and 30-th renewing anniversaries of the Liepaja Jewish Community
December
Remembrance ceremony – on 15 December, 2019
November
On November 18, members of the Liepāja Jewish Community together with their families gathered on the Jewish cemetery before the Monument to Jewish Soldiers killed around Liepāja in 1919 during Latvia’s War of Independence.
This monument was originally inaugurated in Liepaja on October 13, 1934 and unveiled a second time in July 2019 during the World Reunion of Liepaja Jewry after major restoration work.
The Monument is the first dedicated to Jewish soldiers fallen during the Latvia’s War of Independence in 1919.
Speaking about the Monument’s erection M. Melamud recounted its history and was joined in prayer by all those present at the ceremony in remembrance of all the soldiers who died in Latvia’s War of Independence.
July
The 10th World Reunion of Liepaja (Libau) Jewry was held in Liepaja from 25 to 28 July 2019 and attended by descendants and family members of Libauers from all over the world.
The dominant theme of the 2019 Reunion was the participation of Jewish soldiers and patriots in the struggle for Latvia’s independence in 1919, the year 2019 representing Latvia’s centenary year. Religious ceremonies were held at the significant site of the Jewish monument in the dunes of Shkede as well as beside the newly restored monument and gravestones of Jewish soldiers who fought for Latvia’s independence in 1919. These ceremonies were attended by local dignitaries as well as the Israeli Ambassador from Riga Ms Lironne Bar Sadeh.
As well as remembering Liepaja’s rich past and the role played by the Jewish Community in the city’s history, the 2019 Reunion once again provided a great opportunity for guests from all over the world to exchange memories and family recollections. Excellent food and entertainment played an important part in events and included a string quartet concert with beautiful singing by Latvia well known soprano Sonora Vaice and a delicious Shabbath supper with more songs and reminiscing. Everyone who took part expressed agreement that the whole event had been a great success, thanks in no small part to the Foundation member of the board, Ilana Ivanova.
March
- 17 March. masterclass and Purimshpiel for children and youth
- 22 Family project. Purim celebration with incentives for children and adults.
February
- E. Kaplan Annual art exhibition
- Participation in the Limmud Baltics 2019 in Jurmala from 8-10 February, 2019
- Beginning of restoration works on the monument to Jewish soldiers of Liepaja- fighters for the Independence of Latvia