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Execution Site of the Olkin and Joffe Jewish Families

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Matilda Olkinaitė was a gifted young poet whose life and work were tragically cut short at the age of 19. Born and raised in Panemunėlis, she studied in Kupiškis and Rokiškis before attending Vilnius University, where she focused on Russian and French literature. Matilda gained recognition at just 13 years old, when her first poems were published. However, in 1941, during the Nazi occupation, she, along with her family and close relatives, was executed in the Turdvaris forest near Kavoliškis. Her poetic style has been compared to that of Salomėja Nėris and Bernardas Brazdžionis. Matilda's life and work remain a vital part of Lithuania's cultural history, and her memory endures as a symbol of national talent.

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Matilda Olkinaitė, a Jewish-Lithuanian poet, showed extraordinary literary talent from a young age. Her first poems were published when she was only 13. She began her education at Panemunėlis Primary School, continued her studies in Kupiškis and Rokiškis at the J. Tumas-Vaižgantas Gymnasium, and later pursued Russian and French literature at Vilnius University. Tragically, in 1941, after returning to her parents' home in Panemunėlis, she and her family became victims of the Holocaust. In early July 1941, the Olkin and Joffe families were arrested and detained in stables near their home. The tragic execution of these families took place in the Turdvaris forest, located 2 kilometers

from Kavoliškis. At just 19 years old, Matilda became one of the symbols of the Holocaust in Lithuania. Her poetry, reminiscent of Salomėja Nėris, Bernardas Brazdžionis, and Jonas Aistis, remains a significant part of Lithuania's literary heritage. Known for her reflective personality, Matilda often wrote poetry even in the hallways of her school. Her work reflects deep existential contemplation, inspired by the challenges of Lithuania's historical context. Her tragic fate made her not only a figure of literary history but also a poignant reminder of the Holocaust. Today, Matilda's life and poetry are cherished as an essential part of Lithuania's cultural and historical legacy.

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