ORT illustrated statistical data about the Jewish farms in Lithuania, prepared on the
basis of 362 questionnaires, 1920. World ORT Archive
A Jewish village in aid of Jewish farmers
In Lithuania at the beginning of the 20th century, Jews accounted for 12.3
per cent of all farmers. In order to win against the competition Jewish
farmers needed support – to help them to acquire seeds, machines, other
tools, and specialist consultations. ORT took the matter in hand.
In 1921, through ORT, 128 Jewish farmers received 223 agricultural tools,
first-rate seeds and agronomists’ advice. Courses in agriculture were opened.
In 1930, ORT acquired 45.3 hectares of land in the village of Žydkaimis,
Trakai county. The Jewish community that was established in the village in
the mid-19th century was allowed to farm the land.
According to archival sources, in 1936, there were 482.8 hectares of land in
the village of Žydkaimis; Jews owned 304.8 hectares (63%), Lithuanians,
178 hectares (37%). In that year fifteen Lithuanian and twenty Jewish
farming families lived in the village. The synagogue and ORT also owned
some land.
Kalinava agricultural labour course students in the orchard, 1935–1940.
Photograph by Jasvoinas, World ORT Archive
Short rest at ORT in Kalinava, 1935–1940. Photograph by Jasvoinas,
World ORT Archive
Students of Kalinava agricultural labour course by the school,
1935–1940. Photograph by Jasvoinas, World ORT Archive
Short break at ORT in Kalinava, Kaunas [Kovno] county, 1935. World
ORT Archive
![Lunch on the ORT Ungurinė [Ungarina] farm, Marijampolė [Marjampol] county, 5 June 1934. World ORT Archive](home_htm_files/459.png)
