Lithuanian Jewish Leader Concerned Over Antisemitism, Lack of Security
Translated & summarized from Ynet by baba
Faina Kukliansky, chairwoman of the Lithuanian Jewish Community, is concerned about rising antisemitism and insufficient security at Jewish institutions, having received multiple threats. She noted that security is volunteer-based and guards are unarmed, with no clear protocols for handling threats. Kukliansky contrasted Lithuania's security measures unfavorably with other European countries and urged authorities to act proactively. Despite these concerns, she praised Lithuania's political stance on Israel and its response to the October 7th events.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Lithuanian Jewish Community Chairwoman Faina Kukliansky expressed concern over antisemitism and inadequate security.
- The community has received multiple threats of synagogue bombings and murder.
- Security is volunteer-based with unarmed guards lacking police authority.
- Kukliansky criticized the lack of clear protocols for responding to threats.
- She contrasted Lithuania's security measures with those in other European countries.
- Kukliansky praised Lithuania's political stance on Israel and its response to October 7th.
Faina Kukliansky, chairwoman of the Lithuanian Jewish Community, has expressed deep concern over rising antisemitism in Lithuania and inadequate security measures at Jewish communal institutions. She revealed that the community has received at least three threats of synagogue bombings and the murder of Jews. Kukliansky stated in an interview with the Russian-language Delfi website, in cooperation with the Lithuanian news agency ELTA, that the community's security is currently volunteer-based, with guards who are unarmed and lack police authority. She highlighted the absence of clear protocols for responding to threats, including whether to temporarily close synagogues.
Kukliansky emphasized that communal institutions, including a kindergarten, school, and senior activity centers, are frequented by children and the elderly. "Why wait until something happens, God forbid? It can be prevented," she urged, contrasting Lithuania's situation with other European countries where she noted greater security measures for Jewish communities, such as armed police presence near synagogues and specific laws protecting Jews, citing Spain and Germany as examples.
While acknowledging the assistance of the prosecutor's office and police, Kukliansky noted that action is typically taken after incidents occur. Currently, three antisemitic incidents are under investigation, one of which resulted in a suspect apologizing and paying compensation. She also reported recurring vandalism involving swastikas and Star of David graffiti on walls.
Kukliansky praised Justas Laucius, the Chief Prosecutor of the Vilnius District Prosecutor's Office, for his support. However, she criticized the community for receiving threat information from external sources rather than local authorities, questioning why Americans would inform them of a synagogue bombing threat while Lithuanian authorities remain unaware. She called on the police to enforce existing laws against online antisemitic reactions, stating that "simply acting according to the law will solve some of the problems."
Despite her criticisms regarding security, Kukliansky expressed satisfaction with Lithuania's political stance towards Israel, describing it as "correct and balanced." She also positively assessed Lithuania's response to the October 7th massacre as "very correct, balanced, and appropriate for the situation."
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