German Military Base in Lithuania Raises Concerns Over Jewish Partisan Bunker Memorial

Germany is establishing its first permanent military base outside its borders since World War II in Lithuania's Rudnininkai forest, sparking concerns about the fate of historic bunkers used by about 400 Jewish partisans who escaped the Vilna Ghetto to fight the Nazis. These bunkers serve as Lithuania's only memorial site to Jewish resistance during the war. As construction of the German 45th Armored Brigade base progresses, warning signs and no-entry notices have appeared in the forest, hindering descendants of partisans from visiting the site. Tour guide Ausra Mikulskiene told the Jewish Telegraphic Agency that these restrictions effectively block access to the memorial.

In response to parliamentary inquiries, the German government affirmed its commitment to preserving the site as a place of remembrance and education, clarifying that the bunkers are not part of the military training facilities. However, Berlin stated that the Lithuanian authorities are responsible for managing the site and controlling access. Contrarily, Lithuania's Ministry of Culture has denied the bunkers protected cultural heritage status, arguing they are not authentic but reconstructed during the Soviet era and linked to Soviet propaganda. Researchers suggest this stance reflects a local narrative prioritizing Soviet oppression over recognition of Jewish partisan heritage.

The Lithuanian ministry indicated that future visits to the site will require compliance with military regulations and prior approval from the training area command, alongside the installation of new informational signage. This situation highlights tensions between preserving Jewish resistance history and current military and political considerations in Lithuania.