Alan Evans born 4-4-56 – died 6-6-2020.
Although he was born in the United States and lived there all his life, he felt a part of his heart, his soul, belong in Birzai/Birzh.
Allan is deeply mourned by his wife Beatrice (Muzi) and his son Stefan.
Allan was very beloved and admired by many people as a musical archaeologist, ethnomusicologist, music producer and teacher.
He was known for his passion for music, family and research.
Allan’s father Sam (Shmuel Evin) left Lithuania in 1938. He was one of the very few Jews given permission by the USA consul to immigrate into America. The rest of his family were refused entry. Shmuel said goodbye to Yadvega, the girl that he loved. They both assumed that the war would be over soon and they would make a life for themselves together in Palestine. Although Shmuel was from a religiously observant Jewish home and Yadvyga came from a Catholic background, they were in a long, loving relationship.
After the long years of war, Shmuel attempted to get permission for Jadvyga to join him but his application was refused. Shmuel, now known as Sam, facing both the intransigence of both the USA and communist-ruled Lithuania met Lilian Burstyn, married and they had a son Allan. When Allan was only 5 years old, his mother died and Sam once again applied for permission for Jadvyga to join him in America as a wife and mother to his son Allan. This time it was the Communist governing Lithuania who refused Jadvyga the right to emigrate.
Allan developed a very close relationship with Jadvyga through correspondence and in 1990, some years after his father had passed away, Allan visited Latvia. It was before Lithuania had regained her independence. He smuggled himself across the border into Birzai and found Jadvyga. Together they spent a few intense, precious hours before Allan had to make his way back to Latvia. They remained in contact for many years nurturing a very special bond of deep affection. Then to Allan’s concern, communication broke down. When we made contact with Allan in 2015 and visited him in New York, he was recovering from a very serious illness. He nevertheless gave us the time to get to know him and learn his extraordinary story. When we explained that we were leaving for Birzai 2 weeks later he gave us a mission to perform on his behalf. To try and find Yadvyga now aged about 101. With the help of a great young friend Merunas Jukonis we had the privilege of meeting Jadvyga, Shmuel’s sweetheart and the special person in Allan’s life. There we learnt of Jadvyga’s bravery and heroism in saving Jews during the war and her undying love for Shmuel and her sole passion in life being her care for Allan and his wellbeing.
On 6-January 2018 we heard from Allan that Jadvyga had passed away. She represented the very best of Lithuanians and the victim of an unjust regime.
Allan’s desire was that somehow Jadvyga’s bravery during the second world war would be recognized.
On 18-June 2019 a tree planting ceremony was held at the cleared site of the old Jewish Ghetto honoring the Lithuanians of the area who had at the risk of their lives saving Jews. The ceremony was attended by about 50 descendants of Jews who had left Birzai and Lithuania in time to escape the carnage of the murder of their people. Also in attendance were both Birzai and Lithuanian dignitaries, local Birzains and Lithuanians and a number of ambassadors. The honored guests at the ceremony were the families of descendants of those few extraordinary brave people who gave refuge and saved the lives of Jews.
There, on that solemn and momentous day, a tree was planted to honor Jadvyga. Allan watched the ceremony from afar and was able to see his wish realized.
On 6 – June 2020 we heard that Allan had passed away. His passing was described as “ A great light was extinguished”
Glenda Levitt