Why are we here?
Before the first world war (1914-1918) there were few Estonians in Australia.
The first wave of Estonian immigration began in 1924.
The second wave, when most Estonians came to Australia, was during or after the second world war. Most of these people – our parents, grandparents, or other relatives – had fled from the communists and the soviet Russians who were invading Estonia in 1944.
These people did not want to leave their homes, but they just could not stay. Siberia, imprisonment or death would have awaited them. This is now known as the Mass Flight of 1944 [or “SUURPÕGENEMINE 1944”].
This theme has now been taken up as . . .
“ MINNA EI TAHA, KUID JÄÄDA EI SAA ”
“DO NOT WANT TO GO, BUT CAN NOT STAY”
Many of those who fled took up the fight wherever they were against communism, against the soviet regime, and to help Estonia regain its independence.
The fate and history of 80,000 displaced Estonians was suppressed for 50 years with slanderous accusations by the Soviet authorities. In Estonia it was forbidden to even speak of it or acknowledge that a relative had fled west.
In order to remind the new generations, both in the diaspora and Estonia, 2024 is being commemorated as the 80th anniversary of the Mass Flight of 1944 (Suurpõgenemine ’44).
Turning to all Estonians in Australia – this is a great opportunity to pay respect to our parents, grandparents – most of us who call ourselves Estonians in Australia, we have found our place here, thanks to who made it and started their new lives in Australia, going through various dangers and difficulties.
The first memorial remembering the Mass Flight of 1944
To create a permanent reminder of the heartbreaking moment of separation and departure, the ÜEKN (Estonian World Council) has commissioned a Memorial Statue to be designed, erected and unveiled on September 21, 2024 in the city of Pärnu, next to the Pärnu River from where thousands fled in those little boats and ships.
It will be deeply symbolic and the first such Memorial in Estonia erected by all of us in the worldwide Estonian diaspora.
The city of Pärnu has donated a special plot of land for the memorial. Elo Liiv was selected as the artist and sculptor to design, create, and install the unique, symbolic work of art. It will speak to all who see it and continue to tell our Suurpõgenemise story for years to come.
Shown in the picture above is the Concept design of the Memorial which we will call “Puudutus” – or “Touch” – deep in emotion and symbolism.
“It is a depiction of the last moment when the departing person’s fingertips touch the remaining person’s hand, – both filled with yearning in the fingers and their hearts. It is the last moment of physical connection” .
quote from the artist, Elo Liiv, sculptor
To make this monument a reality, 60,000 euros needs to be raised from the Estonian worldwide diaspora. Australia, home to one of the largest diaspora communities, plays a crucial role in achieving this goal.
AESL is leading the efforts to collect donations on behalf of Estonians in Australia, with a target of raising at least AUD $10,000 by July 31, 2024.
Your support to make this monument a reality
Please become an important part of this Commemoration of our Refugee forefathers by making a generous donation to this project. Their courage in the face of unimaginable challenges has paved the way for our existence today.
Every donation – be it $10, $100, or over $1000 – will be deeply appreciated and duly recognised.
By contributing to the creation of the ‘Puudutus’ Memorial, you are not just donating, but becoming a part of history—a testament to the enduring strength of the Estonian diaspora. Your generosity will echo through generations, preserving the legacy of those who dared to hope in the face of adversity.
You can donate via Direct Deposit or Cheque. Please fill out the Pledge form to your details and the amount you intend to donate. This will help us match up any donations we receive for the appeal.
How can I contribute?
You can donate via Direct Deposit or Cheque. Please fill out the Pledge form to enter your details and the amount you intend to donate. This will help us match up the donations we receive for the appeal. We will also ask you if you would like your donation to be recognised on the AESL website or if you would prefer to remain anonymous.
You can also help us to spread the word by sharing this appeal with your friends and family. Use the share links below to post this appeal on social media. Thank you for joining us in preserving the Estonian story and honoring our past.
You are also invited to join other Estonians from across the world in Pärnu on September 21, 2024 for the official unveiling as well as other planned events.
What is important is that each Estonian finds a meaningful place and time to reflect and remember the Mass Flight of 1944.
If you any any questions, please contact us by emailing: aesl@eesti.org.au
Please share this with others – friends, relatives, associates.
Thanking you for your consideration.
Dr Juho Looveer
Chairman, Council of Estonian Societies in Australia (AESL)
Member, Estonian World Council (ÜEKN)
Email: aesl@eesti.org.au
AESL Website: eesti.org.au/AESL
AESL Facebook Group and Page
Estonian World Council (ÜEKN) Website: uekn.ee/en/