Salius Berzinis

PRESS RELEASE 21 August 2023
B’nai B’rith Australia New Zealand (ANZ) is honouring documentary filmmaker Mr. Saulius
Beržinis with a Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his outstanding contribution to
the body of research, study, and documentation of Lithuania’s Jewish population during the
Holocaust.

Mr. Beržinis’ commitment to revealing and disseminating the truth about the atrocities visited
upon Lithuania’s Jewish communities in the days before Nazi occupation, as well as the
identities of the local Lithuanian perpetrators, has been invaluable in preserving the integrity
and accuracy of European history.

Mr. Beržinis has demonstrated resilience, rigor, and integrity in his pursuit of truth and
accuracy over the past 30 years. His commitment and sacrifice have come at great personal
cost.

‘We are deeply honoured to recognise Mr. Beržinis for his extraordinary efforts in preserving
the memory and legacy of Lithuanian Jewry and uncovering the whole truth about its
annihilation,’ said Dr. Benny Monheit, President of B’nai B’rith ANZ.

‘His work stands as a testament to the resilience and strength of those who endured
unimaginable suffering during the Holocaust,’ added Dr. Monheit.

B’nai B’rith ANZ is deeply concerned to learn that Mr. Beržinis’ latest work, “Petrified
Time,” on the atrocities committed in Sheduva, Lithuania, has been decommissioned and
blocked from international release. The film contains crucial interviews with the last
remaining Lithuanian eyewitnesses and plays a key role in preserving essential information
and historical accuracy for the sake of future generations. B’nai B’rith ANZ calls for the
unbanning of the film and urges Lithuanian authorities to facilitate its international
dissemination in the name of historical truth.

For media inquiries or further information, please contact:

Dr Benny Monheit,
President, B’nai B’rith Australia/New Zealand

Email: bennymonheit@bbvic.org.au Mobile: 0403 338922