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On 24 September in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Lithuanian Foreign Vice-Minister Jaroslav Neverovič opened an exhibition ‘Israel. A Sensible Touch’ by Lithuanian and Latvian photographers. The exhibition is dedicated to mark the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the State of Israel. ‘The exhibition ‘Israel. A Sensible Touch’ brings to us the colours of the Promised Land, which most of us are not closely familiar with. I trust that this exhibition will serve as one more incentive to remember the many things that are common in the rich history of our two nations,’ said Vice-Minister.

Vice-Minister J.Neverovič reminded that in the cultural space of the Great Duchy of Lithuania an original Jewish attitude was adopted and a unique mentality emerged due to outstanding local religious authorities and favourable social environment. Eventually owing to these special features the Jews from the cultural space of the Great Duchy of Lithuania were called Litvaks. World-known Jewish religious schools, so-called yeshivas, functioned in Lithuania and many famous people came from Lithuania: many remarkable rabbis, cantors, Talmudic scholars, many renowned artists and scientists.

‘Lithuania is proud that the Vilna Gaon, who shaped the identity of Litvaks, had lived and created in Vilnius. The input of Litvaks into the history of modern Israel is undeniable. Prominent Litvaks – presidents, prime ministers, and other politicians of Israel – have laid the foundation of the State of Israel. This exhibition is dedicated to mark the 60th anniversary of Israel,’ indicated J.Neverovič.

During the opening of the exhibition, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of the State of Israel David Levy noted that this exhibition was intended to reveal strong cultural relations between Lithuania and Israel. According to D.Levy, authors of the exhibition documented their impressions in Israel and captured unique sights of this country in their photographs.

The exhibition includes photographs with images of travels, celebrations, everyday life, people and nature. The photographs lure viewers to get to know Israel better.

Authors of the exhibition are Lithuanian and Latvian photographers: Irena Goluba, Harijs Pelle, Povilas Sigitas Krivickas, Laura Grava, Inna Naihina, Antanas Stanevičius, Vilija Jankutė, Andris Namnieks, Valdas Kopūstas, Jans Tihonovs and Jānis Blunavs.

The exhibition is organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in cooperation with the Embassy of the State of Israel to the Republic of Latvia and the Republic of Lithuania, the Tolerance Centre of Vilna Gaon Jewish State Museum.