Vilnius Jewish Library

For over three decades, I devoted my life to supporting Jewish culture, memory, and continuity. As a non-Jew, I did this not out of obligation, but מתוך הכרה — מתוך הכרת הטוב (hakarat hatov), a recognition of what is good and worth preserving in the world.

This work included founding what became the first Jewish public library in Lithuania since 1943, and intervening in 2009 to prevent the Vilna Ghetto Library from being sold off and lost. That sacred place now has a future, and that matters deeply to me.

Over the years, I gave what I could—time, energy, and personal resources totaling well over $100,000. I also faced years of threats from antisemitic groups. I never stepped back. Not because it was easy, but because it was necessary.

All of this was done while quietly living with ADHD, PTSD, and autism. Later, in 2015, I was diagnosed with a serious and incurable lung disease. Even then, I continued my work for as long as I physically could.

Eventually, declining health and financial reality forced me to stop.

I am sharing this now not to revisit the past, but to speak honestly about the present.

At this stage, I am facing significant financial hardship, including difficulty covering basic daily needs. This is not something I ever expected to write, but circumstances have changed.

If anyone in the community—individuals or institutions—has guidance, connections, or the ability to help in any way, I would be grateful.

If my efforts over the years reflected even a small measure of tzedakah or tikkun olam, then I trust that those values still live in the world—not as ideas, but as actions.

With respect,

Wyman Brent

Call now to connect with business.

I am reaching out and asking for help for my family. There is finally some light at the end of the tunnel thanks to my songwriting. However, we are still very much at risk of losing our home until my career takes off.

Donate to California to Vilna: A gentile and a Jewish library, organized by Wyman Brent Hi, my name is Wyman Brent. I am the American gentile founder of the V… Wyman Brent needs your support for California to Vilna: A gentile and a Jewish library

This American gentile had the idea to found the first Jewish public library in Lithuania since 1943. That library will be 15 years old this year. And it has been 17 years since I saved the Vilna Ghetto Library from sale and destruction.

Donate to California to Vilna: A gentile and a Jewish library, organized by Wyman Brent Hi, my name is Wyman Brent. I am the American gentile founder of the V… Wyman Brent needs your support for California to Vilna: A gentile and a Jewish library