Dear Papa,
We have not been able to celebrate your birthday together for eighty two years, yet I remember our time together like it was yesterday. I have so much to share with you, but find it difficult to express.
Mama and I survived the war and moved to America where we had a good life. We remained close with survivors from Vilna and the Venclauskas family, who hid us from the Germans after your death. Mama never smiled the same since you were gone, but I did my best to take care of her and bring her joy. I have children and grandchildren of my own now, and we all wish you could have been here to meet them.
Your homeland of Lithuania is finally free, and has been for the past thirty five years. In fact, I was a part of its independence in the early 1990’s, just as you were over one hundred years ago.
Happy Birthday, Papa. Here are two letters from your friends in the Vilna Ghetto. Until we meet again…
To the esteemed leader of the ghetto,
Friend Jacob Gens,
In difficult days – at age forty,
In free light – at age forty one.
Wishes:
Vilna Ghetto, April 2, 1943
Dear Ghetto Advocate, Friend Gens,
With the most sincere feelings, we welcome you into your fifth decade. Jewish tradition teaches: “At age 40, one attains wisdom.” And so we truly wish for you – and for us as well – that you be endowed with the massive strength and wisdom that will help us emerge…
In the name of the artists, musicians, and technical staff of the Vilna Ghetto Theater,
Vilna Ghetto, April 3, 1943
Both documents are part of the YIVO Institute for Jewish Research Repository, and can be found below along with many other documents from the Vilna Ghetto: