I am now aware of at least six organised trips to Lithuania this summer.
Three of these are being run >from England, two >from the USA. This does
not preclude people joining the tours within Lithuania. The USA tours
are being run by Shtetl Schleppers (Susan King) and by Howard Margol ( two
trips. I append brief details of some of these. Note that full details
of Shtetlshleppers are on the Jewishgen Web page http://www.jewishgen.or
g/shtetlschleppers/1999.html, and Howard Margol's was originally posted
on Litvak SIG on 26 November 1998. Full details are in the archive of
Litvak SIG. I have no commercial interest in any of these tours:


1. LITHUANIAN HOLOCAUST JOURNEY OF REMEMBRANCE

THE ELACHANAN ELKES ASSOCIATION FOR INTER-COMMUNITY
UNDERSTANDING (Director: Sara Elkes)

PROPOSED DATE - Wednesday 14 JULY 1999 - Sunday 18th July, 1999.

A STUDY TRIP OF JEWISH LITHUANIA IN MEMORY OF DR. ELACHANAN ELKES, LEADER
OF THE KOVNO GHETTO DURING ITS GREATEST HOUR OF NEED:

Led by Robin O`Neil, MA, (PhD PG Stdt. Hebrew and Jewish Department)
University College London

Jewish Vilnius and Ponary
Jewish Kovno (Vilijampole) - Walk in the world of yesterday
1X Fort - The 1X Fort, the scene of so many tragedies, now houses the
largest display in the country commemorating the tragic fate of the Jews of
Lithuania. 1941 - 1944 the Nazis made the Fort an international death camp
where many thousands people of different nationalities perished. Visits
and service at the synagogues in Vilnius and Kaunas.

2 nights in Vilnius - 2 nights in Kaunas
Inclusive: Flight (direct HR-Vil), 3* hotel acc. b/b. coach etc .
495 English Pounds (inclusive). Deposit 75 English Pounds to handling
Agent by 31.1.1999. Own arrangements for Kosher food. First come first
served basis.

Information may be obtained from:
For initial information contact:
(1) Robin O`Neil email: <roneil@compuserve.com > Telephone: 01722 790494
(2) Handling Agents and contact: Laraine Abrahams `LESTAIR` No. 1, The
Grove, Edgware, Middx, HA8 9QA
Telephone: 0181 958 9340
Fax: 0181 958 1212


A further journey is programmed in September, 1999, to Poland: A visit to
the extermination camps and Jewish sites in Eastern Poland:
Auschwitz-Birkenau - Belzec - Sobibor - Majdanek and Treblinka. Details
in New year.

2. INTRODUCTION AND ITINERARY - 1999 TRIPS TO LITHUANIA/RIGA
FIRST TRIP - JUNE 10 THRU JUNE 23
SECOND TRIP - JULY 1 THRU JULY 14


Thanks for your interest in possibly joining the group trip I am
organizing to go to Lithuania and Riga in 1999. Due to the interest
expressed, I am organizing two trips for 1999. The following itinerary
is for the June 10-23 trip. The July 1-14 trip is the same identical
itinerary except for the dates. I have been to Lithuania on five
different trips. On four of those occasions, I was the leader of a group
that I organized. I am familiar with most of the country and have a good
"feel" for which places are of most interest. Prior to the trip I will
inform you of the do's and don'ts, what to wear, what to take with, what
to leave home, and many other little tips that help make the trip an
enjoyable one. Moe Finkelstein, the travel agent that I use, has made
numerous trips to Lithuania. He helps with the arrangements >from first
hand knowledge rather than depending on travel books or second hand
information.
I do not organize group trips to Lithuania and Riga for profit. My main
purpose is to offer Jews an opportunity to go back to their roots, to
encourage them to research their ancestors, and to enable them to see
the rebirth of Judaism taking place in Lithuania. Since no profit motive
is involved, all arrangements are made in a first class manner intended
to make the trip enjoyable and meaningful for all. (In order not to lose
money, I need a minimum of 12 in each group. Less than 12 will require
an additional payment of $100 per person). I hope you will be able to
join us.
NOTE: Arrangements can be made for a side trip to Belarus for those
wishing to go there.

Howard Margol
4430 Mt. Paran Pkwy NW
Atlanta, GA 30327-3747 USA
Phone (404) 261-8662
Fax (404) 261-5722 (press *)
E-mail - homargol@aol.com
JEWISH LIFE AND HERITAGE TOUR

3. Robin Michealson, an experienced tour leader in London (Tel. +44 171
6255650) is planning a tour to Lithuania, Riga and Estonia in late
spring, early summer. I do not yet have dates.
--
Dr Saul Issroff