The Challenges of Multiculturalism in Contemporary Lithuania

On September 5, 2019, the Consulate General of Lithuanian in New York and the YIVO Institute for Jewish Research co-sponsored a panel discussion titled Multi-Culturalism in Contemporary Lithuania, held at YIVO's facilities in Manhattan. After introductions by YIVO Executive Director and CEO Jonathan Brent, and by Lithuanian Cultural Attache Grazina Michneviciute, Professor Tomas Venclova (Yale University, Emeritus) addressed attendees regarding his research into Lithuanians' participation in the Holocaust, and how Lithuania is currently dealing with that painful history. Then panelists Mindaugas Kvietkauskas (Minister of Culture of Lithuania), Professor Saulius Sužiedelis (Millersville University, Emeritus) and Rabbi Andrew Baker (American Jewish Committee, Director of International Jewish Affairs) discussed the challenges of rebuilding a multicultural society in contemporary Lithuania including the difficulties of confronting the complexities of Lithuanian Jewish history, and taking lessons from it for today. Subsequently attendees actively participated in questions and answers.

The Baltic American Chamber of Commerce (BACC) was represented at the discussion by Board members Viktor Sidabras and Elliot Matz.