Rescuers of Jews
Eičas Pranas
PRANAS EIČAS
During the German occupation, Pranas Eičas, along with members of the Pociai, Gaižauskai, Stūronai, and Šimkai families, saved the Goldšteinai family from Eržvilkas – Chaimas Goldšteinas with his wife Menucha (Basia) and their children Arielis and Dovydas.
Before the war, Chaimas Goldšteinas engaged in the trade of cattle and grains in Eržvilkas. He knew many local farmers. With the Germans occupying Eržvilkas, the persecution of Jews immediately began, and soon all Jews were ordered to prepare for a three-day journey to a camp. Although the Jews were already surrounded by police, Chaimas Goldšteinas, along with his wife and children, managed to escape. Initially, they hid in nearby forests, obtaining food from farmers. When the weather became colder, they sought refuge in the farmsteads of villagers, often changing locations.
According to Chaimas Goldšteinas's post-war notes: „Pranas Eičas from Stirbaičiai provided temporary shelter when we had nowhere else to go due to reports and accusations...“
In 2019 Pranas Eičas was recognised as the Righteous Among the Nations.
During the German occupation, Pranas Eičas, along with members of the Pociai, Gaižauskai, Stūronai, and Šimkai families, saved the Goldšteinai family from Eržvilkas – Chaimas Goldšteinas with his wife Menucha (Basia) and their children Arielis and Dovydas.
Before the war, Chaimas Goldšteinas engaged in the trade of cattle and grains in Eržvilkas. He knew many local farmers. With the Germans occupying Eržvilkas, the persecution of Jews immediately began, and soon all Jews were ordered to prepare for a three-day journey to a camp. Although the Jews were already surrounded by police, Chaimas Goldšteinas, along with his wife and children, managed to escape. Initially, they hid in nearby forests, obtaining food from farmers. When the weather became colder, they sought refuge in the farmsteads of villagers, often changing locations.
According to Chaimas Goldšteinas's post-war notes: „Pranas Eičas from Stirbaičiai provided temporary shelter when we had nowhere else to go due to reports and accusations...“
In 2019 Pranas Eičas was recognised as the Righteous Among the Nations.