The Lithuanian Consulate and Lithuanian consul Sandra Brikaitė hosted an evening called “History, Heritage and Diplomacy” earlier this mont, bringing together the Lithuanian-American community, the Lithuanian Jewish Community, the local Valley Outreach Synagogue, diplomats and other interested parties.

The Lithuanian Consulate is located in Calabasas in the southwestern end of the San Fernando Valley in Los Angeles County.

Consul Sandra Brikaitė, Valley Outreach Synagogue Rabbi Ron Li-Paz and Lithuanian Jewish Community chairwoman Faina Kukliansky all spoke at the event and all three discussed together the deep roots of Litvak culture, the Holocaust and Righteous Gentiles, among other things.

“The Jewish heritage is part of the soul of Lithuania,” Brikaitė said.

Chairwoman Kukliansky spoke about her pride in her Litvak roots and said after 30 years of Lithuanian independence she was glad to witness a revival in Jewish life, with Jewish schools fully enrolled, respect and enthusiasm for Jewish traditions and customs and proper celebration of the holy days.

Lithuanian American performers provided a musical program for the audience and guests.

Calabasas city officials presented official letters of appreciation to consul Sandra Brikaitė and chairwoman Faina Kukliansky.