Information for prospective participants in Summercamp Višķi

Višķi is a village in south-eastern part of Latvia. Višķi is known as a shtetl (''miestiņš'')- Jewish name for the village - because according to the 1935 census, 56.3% of Višķi's population was Jewish (423). Jews did different crafts, petty trade, some worked leather. 50 of 58 businesses in Višķi belonged to Jews.

The World War two ended peaceful and developing life in Višķi. Daugavpils Region (including Višķi) was occupied by German army in about a week after Germany attacked Soviet Union. 

Information_for_prospective_participantsin_Summercamp_Viski_2022_23.pdf

Višķi is a place near Daugavpils in southeastern Latvia – a beautiful location surrounded by three lakes. Višķi was once a typical Jewish Shtetl (village), like a thousand other smaller and larger villages and towns in Eastern Europe. Today, the foundation of the former synagogue, the cemetery, and the sites associated with Jewish life serve as three silent witnesses to the Jewish past.

The summer camp in Višķi is being organized for the fourth time by ASF, the association “Drei Stufen e.V.” (Osnabrück), and the local community. The work, which began in 2022, will continue this year.

Specifically, the practical work of the participants at the old Jewish cemetery will contribute to the establishment of a future open-air ensemble museum. Restoration, gardening, and cleaning work will be carried out under the guidance of specialized personnel. The work in Višķi will also be complemented by a thematic approach to the history of this multi-ethnic and multi-confessional place, as well as connections to Jewish culture in Latvia in both the past and present. Looking into the past will enable the young participants to build bridges to the present and future.

Important_Events_in_Viski.pdf

Foto ASF Sommerlager in Viski, Lettland, 2024, Bild: ASF

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