Vilnius rally urges public to speak about Gaza war

A rally in support of Palestinians was held in Vilnius on Thursday, where participants called on the public not to be afraid to discuss the war in Gaza. LRT reported, citing the news agency ELTA.

Participants held Palestinian flags and placards and criticized Israel’s actions. The gathering in Lukiškės Square, a public square, was described by organizers as a commemoration of victims of Israel’s actions in Gaza.

Ignas Galinis, a Vilnius University student who attended the rally, said participants had gathered to commemorate what he called “almost two years of full-scale genocide” in Gaza. He said they used that phrase because, in his view, Israel had been bombing civilians without mercy since October 7, 2023.

Galinis said the square was chosen because the Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are nearby. He said protestors also objected to Lithuanian institutions’ cooperation with Israeli organizations.

He urged people not to be afraid to speak about what they consider injustice, resist it and discuss it with relatives. He also rejected claims that the protest’s position was antisemitic, saying one Jewish organization was among the groups organizing the event.

About a dozen people attended, while several police patrol cars were nearby. The event was organized by Vilne Bund, Solidarumo Grandis, POPPIES Palestine Action Group Vilnius, Demonstruokimės and other organizations.

On October 7, 2023, Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups attacked southern Israel, killing more than 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking about 250 people hostage. Israel launched a military operation in Gaza in response.