The YIVO Institute for Jewish Research and the Martynas Mažvydas National Library of Lithuania Announce First Recipient of New Award for Advancing Lithuanian–Jewish Relations and Understanding

The YIVO Institute for Jewish Research (YIVO), together with the Martynas Mažvydas National Library of Lithuania (MMNL), are proud to announce the first recipient of the inaugural Award for Advancing Lithuanian–Jewish Relations and Understanding. The award will be presented at a special ceremony on Friday, October 17, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. EEST at the Martynas Mažvydas National Library of Lithuania, Gedimino pr. 51, Vilnius.

This first-ever award honors Antanas Ulpis (1904–1981), former Director of the Lithuanian National Book Chamber (1946–1980), who will receive the distinction posthumously for his extraordinary courage and moral vision during the Soviet period. At great personal risk, Ulpis saved thousands of Jewish books and archival materials slated for destruction by Soviet authorities, safeguarding priceless records of Jewish scholarship, culture, and daily life. His selfless actions ensured the survival of a cultural legacy that continues to educate generations around the world.

“The Award symbolizes a new step in the long and complicated relationship between the Lithuanian and Jewish communities which could not have been reached without the forward thinking, goodwill, and commitment to shared humanity on both sides,” said Jonathan Brent CEO and Executive Director of YIVO. “YIVO looks forward eagerly to working with our partner of many years, the MMNL, to help reinforce the values of understanding and empathy embodied by this award for generations to come.”

“We are confident that this Award will encourage both domestic and international researchers to shed new light on Lithuanian and global Jewish history. The Award will also strengthen the collaboration between the National Library and the YIVO Institute for Jewish Research, which has always aimed to showcase Lithuanian Jewish documentary heritage to the world,” said Aušrinė Žilinskienė, Director General of the Martynas Mažvydas National Library of Lithuania. She added: “I am particularly pleased that the documents preserved by Antanas Ulpis have finally become part of the National Library's collection. This is a remarkable gift that enriches our institution and our national memory.”

Jointly established by YIVO and the MMNL, this new award is the first of its kind dedicated to recognizing Lithuanian scholars, artists, public figures, and institutional leaders for outstanding contributions to advancing Lithuanian–Jewish relations and mutual understanding. It represents a significant milestone in renewed Lithuanian-Jewish relations and reflects both institutions’ commitment to fostering dialogue, preserving shared heritage, and deepening respect between Lithuanian and Jewish communities.

The ceremony is part of a series of events marking YIVO’s centennial year. Founded in 1925, in Vilna Poland now Vilnius Lithuania, YIVO stands as a world leader in preserving and illuminating the history and culture of Eastern European Jewry. Since 2015 YIVO has partnered with the MMNL on the internationally acclaimed YIVO Edward Blank Vilna Online Collection Project and other initiatives dedicated to preserving and perpetuating the history, culture, and heritage of Eastern European and Lithuanian Jewry.

YIVO

The YIVO Institute for Jewish Research is dedicated to the preservation and study of the history and culture of East European Jewry worldwide. For nearly a century, YIVO has pioneered new forms of Jewish scholarship, research, education, and cultural expression. Our public programs and exhibitions, as well as online and on-site courses, extend our outreach to a global community. The YIVO Archives contains 24 million unique items and YIVO’s Library has over 400,000 volumes—the single largest resource for the study of East European Jewish life in the world. yivo.org

Martynas Mažvydas National Library of Lithuania

MMNL has two departments dedicated to promoting Jewish heritage and uniting the Jewish community in Lithuania - Judaica Research Center and Vilnius Jewish Public Library. Judaica Research Center is preserving and researching the Judaica Collection of the MMNL and creating international awareness of it through series of publication and academic, cultural, and educational activities. Vilnius Jewish Public Library promotes Jewish literature and encourages intercultural cooperation among the communities in Vilnius, thus contributing to the preservation of the country's historical memory and the continuity of Jewish culture in Lithuania.