Lithuania’s Jewish community says attack on visiting rabbis was rare but alarming

Lithuania's Jewish community has condemned an attack on visiting Israeli rabbis in Vilnius, describing the incident as shocking yet rare. The assault occurred earlier this month when a man allegedly spat on three Orthodox Jewish visitors in central Vilnius. Police have initiated a pretrial investigation into the case, following reports that the suspect later shared a video of the attack online, urging others to target Jews in similar fashion. The suspect, identified as a man born in 1972, was temporarily detained but subsequently released. He has since posted messages requesting financial support to cover legal costs. Faina Kukliansky, chair of the Lithuanian Jewish Community, confirmed contact with the victims and pledged legal aid. She emphasized that while the attack was disturbing, such incidents remain infrequent in Lithuania. The targeted individuals were rabbis from Israel who had visited Jewish heritage sites in Belarus before arriving in Vilnius to honor the grave of the Vilna Gaon, a highly respected figure in Jewish scholarship. Kukliansky noted that the rise in tensions related to Israel’s conflict with Hamas has influenced anti-Jewish sentiments across Europe. However, she pointed out that Lithuania still fares better than certain Western European nations, where attacks on Jews are more common, prompting some residents to avoid displaying traditional attire or religious symbols in public. Kukliansky voiced alarm over the suspect’s online encouragement of further attacks, warning that public incitement poses a serious threat. Rabbi Sholom Ber Krinsky, representing the Chabad-Lubavitch movement in Lithuania, stated he had never encountered such an incident involving visiting Jews. Having resided in Vilnius for over three decades, he observed that local Orthodox Jews rarely face harassment, and most individuals seen wearing traditional dress are tourists exploring the city’s historical and religious landmarks. Krinsky remarked that upon his arrival in Vilnius in 1994, people would often pause and stare when he walked the streets dressed as a rabbi. Such occurrences have diminished significantly, reflecting the city’s growing acceptance of religious expression. He noted that Vilnius has evolved into a cosmopolitan and internationally connected urban center. Kukliansky revealed that the attack has prompted diplomatic inquiries from foreign embassies in Lithuania, which sought information about the incident. She warned that the event might deter future Jewish visitors, as the targeted rabbis had intended to attend a significant gathering in Vilnius but now feel vulnerable. Additionally, the community recently discovered red graffiti on its properties advocating violence against Jews, highlighting ongoing challenges. Victims of such acts often hesitate to report them to authorities due to fears of retaliation or lack of confidence in the justice system. Krinsky maintained that the local Jewish community does not experience heightened anxiety. He credited the democratic nature of the society, effective policing, and governmental attention to the issue for maintaining stability. Despite the recent incident, he believes the broader environment remains secure and supportive of Jewish life in Lithuania.