
Smorgon (1918-39) Photo attribution - By Unknown author - Narodowe Archiwum Cyfrowe. Sygn. 1-G-5823., Public Domain, https_commons.wikimedia.org
uncovering hidden histories, building bridges and celebrating community
As autumn settles in, we are excited to bring you a captivating roundup of news and updates from The Together Plan. Belarus is a country with a buried and often unspoken past, holding layers of history shaped by wars, revolutions, and Soviet repression. So this month, we are thrilled to share our plans for the creation of a Jewish Heritage Route—an initiative not just about restoring sites and telling untold stories, but about healing, reconnecting, and building bridges between past and present. You’ll also read about Rosh Hashanah celebrations in Minsk, the growth of the Belarusian community film club, and the inspiring fundraising efforts of a North London teenager. Plus, we delve into the rich history of Jewish Smorgon, its changing borders, and the haunting melody inspired by the poet Avram Sutzkever. Join us as we continue this journey of discovery and reconnection!
All the best,
The Together Plan Team
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- November 9th 5pm GMT – The Streets of Jewish Minsk – a journey through history – (online talk)
- November 14th 8pm GMT – Shtetl Part 1 – A Jewish Universe – (online talk)
- November 21st 8pm GMT – Shtetl Part 2 – A Virtual Tour of the Once Jewish Towns of Eastern Europe
- November 24th 7pm GMT – Piano Recital with Janusz Piotrowicz (in-person event)
- December 5th 8pm GMT – Shtetl Part 3 – Exploring the Lives of Jewish Children in Eastern Europe – (online talk)
- December 10th 8pm GMT – The Minsk Ghetto and the narratives of those who survived (online talk) – save the date
- Relief crew member of humanitarian aid team
- Events enthusiast
- Treasure scout
building a Jewish Heritage Route in Belarus: The Together Plan's mission to preserve a lost legacy
for many, Belarus is a country with an unspoken past, a place where layers of history remain buried under the aftermath of wars, revolutions, and decades of Soviet repression. The creation of a Jewish Heritage Route is not only about restoring sites and telling stories; it is about healing, reconnecting, and building bridges between the past and the present.
Click here to read more

celebrating Rosh Hashanah at the Jewish Heritage Centre in Belarus
celebrations in Minsk this year were a powerful reminder of the unity and spirit of the Jewish community in Belarus, and how, in spite of an oppressive past, traditions continue to thrive, bringing people together year after year.
Click here to find out more

Jewish-themed cinema at the Heritage Centre in Minsk
in downtown Minsk, thanks to The Together Plan, a new Jewish film club is hosting screenings dedicated to exploring the influence of Jewish filmmakers, actors, and themes on Belarusian cinema. These gatherings offer a unique opportunity to reflect on the contributions of Jewish talent and stories to the nation’s cinematic past, while bringing together a community that shares a passion for history, culture, and film.
Click here to find out more

changing borders, Sutzkever and songs of memory
the shifting borders of Eastern Europe have long defined the region’s complex identity, with lands that once belonged to Poland now forming part of modern-day Belarus. In these changing territories, Jewish communities were essential to the cultural and literary vibrancy of the region. One such place is Smorgon, now in Belarus, which was once home to Avram Sutzkever, one of the most important Yiddish poets of the 20th century. Explore Smorgon and Sutzkever’s legacy, and discover a rich cultural history that transcends borders and time.
Click here to find out more

north London teenager takes on personal challenge to support Jewish Belarus
we are always thrilled when young people step up to take on personal challenges to raise funds for our projects. Not only do these challenges help us raise crucial funds, but they also create much-needed awareness about the communities we support. So when Isaac got in touch to say that his great-great-grandfather hailed from Belarus and that he wanted to support the communities still in the country – we were absolutely delighted.
Click here to find out about Isaac’s challenge

exciting update: construction begins on Brest-Litovsk Jewish cemetery memorial
we are thrilled to share a monumental update—construction has officially begun on the memorial at the site of the Brest-Litovsk Jewish Cemetery in Brest, Belarus! After more than 11 years of planning and dedication, we are seeing this project finally come to life.
Click here to find out more

the houses that hold our stories: discovering heritage with Vasily Zaitsau
every house has a story, but walking down the street, it’s often hard to know the history behind the structures we see. For Vasily Zaitsau, however, the dozens of houses across Belarus are more than just buildings; through his work with The Together Plan, he knows the family histories connected to them.
Click here to find out more

Belarus ancestry and archives - we can help
The Together Plan has been helping people locate records in the Belarus archives for some years. There has never been a more exciting time for people to connect to personal history – or for that history to have a greater impact on world knowledge!
If you are looking for assistance with regards to the Belarus archives and would like to make an appointment to speak to us and discuss your requirements, please email us at [email protected] – we are ready to help.
