Kukliansky calls for stronger prevention of antisemitism in Lithuania

Faina Kukliansky, head of the Lithuanian Jewish (Litvak) Community, says antisemitism in Lithuania is a serious concern and the community lacks the means to ensure its own security. She told LRT that the community has received three threats to blow up a synagogue and kill Jews.

“We protect ourselves, but our security is voluntary,” Kukliansky said, adding that community members have neither weapons nor the authority held by police and other institutions responsible for protection. She said the community has no clear guidance on what to do after a threat, such as whether to close a synagogue temporarily.

Kukliansky said Jewish communities in some other European countries have more security measures, including armed police at synagogues and community buildings. She said Lithuania should also take such steps, or at least appoint people who can recognise these crimes and advise on how to respond.

The community’s buildings are used by children and adults, including people attending a kindergarten and school, as well as groups of seniors, she said. Kukliansky said police and prosecutors provide assistance, but often only after incidents have occurred.

Three cases involving antisemitic attacks are currently being investigated, she said. In one, the perpetrator has been identified, apologised and paid damages. Kukliansky also cited antisemitic graffiti, including Stars of David and swastikas painted on walls, and said comments on social media should be assessed under existing laws.

She said prevention should be the priority and questioned why the community sometimes receives warnings about possible threats from abroad rather than from Lithuanian authorities. Kukliansky described Lithuania’s position on Israel as “correct and proportionate” in its assessment of the October 7 killings.

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 responded by launching a military operation in the Gaza Strip.