“In 1776, we went up with joy to Eretz Israel,” reads part of the inscription on a recently discovered plaque found in Lithuania that was buried beneath the Great Synagogue of Vilnius.
Archaeologists have been excavating the area extensively and were amazed to find something so significant. The plaque is believed to be a record made by Synagogue members that traveled to Israel.
Since my own family originally comes from Lithuania, it’s even more fascinating to me! To the best of my knowledge, from family history, my ancestors were in the country during the same time period. I’m not sure if my people were in Vilnius, however, but definitely in Lithuania.
It is so interesting to think that while America was going through a revolution, the Lithuania Jews were also struggling for independence, willing to make a long and difficult journey to Israel, in search of freedom.
Hopefully, all of the Israel haters who talk about Jews building “illegal settlements” and creating an “illegal State” will realize that Jews have been occupying Israel for thousands of years, not just in modern times. It is our homeland, our birthright, and should always be a place for worldwide Jewry to live in peace and harmony.
That is neat. OK I admit, I thought the Jewish people have always been in Israel. I know it has been fought over for thousands of years but always figured there was some representation there.
Very interesting post, I always learn something new with you.
Jews have been living in Israel continuously for over 3,000 years. Obviously, it has not always been run by the same rulers, but the Jewish community has always been there, even when it wasn’t a safe place for us to be.
So glad that you enjoy the articles!
I suppose I’m not surprised at how little most people know about Israel, but it is still very disappointing when publicly-stated falsehoods stand simply because no one can even be bothered to do a two minute Google search.
interesting find