The Untold Stories of Kamenets-Litovsk: A Journey Through Memory

Remembering the Gurinski Girls

There’s a photograph I’ve carried for years. Three young girls stand by a wooden fence in Kamenets-Litovsk, a small town near Brest, now in Belarus. Two of them wear dresses my mother sent from Argentina—clothes intended for a journey across the ocean. That reunion never happened.

Rivka and Rachel Gurisnki-Kaplan dressed in white. Murdered in Kamenets

Announcement published in the Memorial Book of Kamenets

My grandfather had sent for them. There was a steamship waiting. It was a race against time, and sadly, the girls lost. Not long after this photo was taken, they and their parents were forced to dig a mass grave. German soldiers executed them at its edge.

For decades, their names were unknown to me. They were just faces in a fading image until now.

The Power of Discovery

Thanks to the Memorial Book of Kamenets Litovsk, I identified them at last: Shoshana Kaplan (affectionately called Shoul’ke), her husband Mirtche Gurinski, and their daughters Rivka and Rachel. They either perished in that mass execution or were later deported to Treblinka. This revelation has shaped a project that’s quietly lived within me—a documentary about Kamenets-Litovsk. I aim to uncover not just my family's story, but also the rich Jewish life that once thrived there.

Uncovering Jewish Life

Kamenets-Litovsk was not just a place; it was a vibrant community. Families lived, celebrated, and built a life together. They were woven into the fabric of history, until that fabric was tragically torn apart. This project seeks to restore their voices and bring their stories to light.

The Road Ahead

We are now in the early stages of development. I am preparing for a first scouting journey to Kamenets. On this trip, I aim to immerse myself in the local culture and history. I also hope to collaborate closely with the Museum of Jewish Heritage – A Living Memorial to the Holocaust in New York. Their expertise and resources will be invaluable as this project unfolds.

Seeking Contributions

If you have family stories, photos, or information related to Kamenets-Litovsk, I would be honored to hear from you. Each voice matters. Every memory is a thread in the larger narrative of this story. Together, we can piece together a collective history that honors those who came before us.

Please follow along as this journey unfolds. If this post resonates with you, I encourage you to share it. There are countless faces waiting to be named and more stories to bring back into the light.

The Importance of Memory

Remembering the past is crucial. Each story we tell helps preserve our history for future generations. The journeys, struggles, and triumphs of those who lived before us form an essential part of who we are today. They remind us of our resilience and the importance of community.

Let us continue to seek out these stories, ensuring they live on. In memory of the Gurinski girls and countless others, we will not let their narratives fade away.

By sharing my journey and the stories I uncover, I hope to inspire others to explore their own family histories. Perhaps you, too, will find threads that connect you to places and people you never knew. Together, we can honor the past and ensure that these memories remain alive in our hearts and minds.

Your contributions can help light the way in this important endeavor. Let's work together to ensure that the memories of Kamenets-Litovsk and its vibrant community are never forgotten.