Maria Rolnikaite - a Jewish Girl Who Survived the Vilna Ghetto

Welcome to a compelling lecture focused on Maria Rolnikaite, a Jewish girl who endured the grim reality of the Vilna Ghetto during the Nazi occupation.

Maria’s diary, initially published in Soviet Lithuania, offers a vivid and emotional recounting of the day-to-day existence and struggles under Nazi rule.

Together we will explore Maria's life, highlighting her incredible resilience and the interactions among people during these impossible times.

Post-war, Maria faced further adversity: her life was in ruins, her loved ones were lost, and she confronted a society that was unwilling to acknowledge her traumatic experiences. Despite these challenges, Maria fought tirelessly to publish her diary and speak out about the Nazi atrocities in the post-war Soviet Union.

We will discuss the enduring legacy of Maria Rolnikaite and how her personal account enriches our historical understanding.