At the end of a series of meetings and lengthy conversations between the head of the Telzston-Kiryat Yearim Council, Yitzhak Ravitz, and the mayor of Telz, Lithuania, Tomas Katakus, an agreement was reached on a twin city alliance between Telz and Telzston - an alliance that will reflect the historical connection and connection between the authorities.
The concluding meeting was attended, alongside the head of the council and the mayor, by the Israeli Ambassador to Lithuania Hadas Wittenberg, Deputy Ambassador Erez Golan, and the head of the local government's foreign relations department, Shiri Steinhardt.
The participants thanked Council Chairman Yitzhak Ravitz for the initiative that will breathe life into the history of the Lithuanian city of Telz, and highlight the deep connection between history and the present.
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The head of the Telzstone Council, Yitzhak Ravitz, noted at the meeting, where the final decision was made, that not only is the name of the settlement named after the saints of Telz, but also the main streets in the settlement are named after prominent figures who lived and worked in Telz - the Gra"a Gordon, the Rosh Yeshiva of Telz and the city's rabbi, his son-in-law the Gra"i Bloch, who also served as Rosh Yeshiva and the city's rabbi, and the third street is named after the saints of Telz who were ordained on the Kiddush Hashem on 20 Tammuz 5701.
The head of the council explained to his Lithuanian colleagues that in Judaism, the present is based on the foundations of the glorious past. "We cherish with longing the Jewish community of Telz, whose center, of course, was the holy yeshiva that produced world-class figures. The settlement of Telzston was built in their memory and to commemorate their Torah and spiritual path.".
The mayor of Telz noted in the conversation that he was excited about the historic agreement, and said that he had been following the activities of the council and its head since the Corona period - when Telzston was the council that spearheaded the struggle. "I fondly remember your success, Rabbi Ravitz, in managing this turbulent period with a strong hand, and I read about the activity and prosperity of the settlement under your leadership. I wish us fruitful cooperation, and look forward to our meeting.".
The mayor of Telz pledged to Rabbi Ravitz that the municipality he heads will place a memorial plaque in the area where the Telz HaMataira Yeshiva operated.
It should be noted that, in preparation for the exciting signing ceremony that will take place during the month of Tammuz to commemorate the massacre of the city's Jews, a delegation will arrive led by the head of the council, Rabbi Yitzhak Ravitz, and the descendants of the Gra Gordon zt"l. The Telz municipality is already preparing excitedly for the historic visit, and the authorities have been instructed to prepare accordingly.
The community expressed excitement over the news, and residents said they were awaiting the official and ceremonial signing ceremony. The city of Telz, Lithuania, also reported that they see this as one of the few things they can do to express regret for the days of horrors endured by the Jews of the city and the entire country.
