Lithuanian Jewish Community Faces Threats Amid Security Concerns

The Jewish community in Lithuania has received multiple threats of synagogue bombings and attacks on Jews, with information about these incidents reportedly coming from foreign sources. Faina Kukliansky, the community's chairwoman, expressed concern that American authorities were informing them of threats while Lithuanian officials remained unaware. Kukliansky highlighted inadequate security measures at community institutions, including a kindergarten, school, and elder care facilities, which rely on unarmed, volunteer guards without enforcement powers. She also noted a lack of clear emergency protocols.

Kukliansky urged Lithuania to adopt security models from countries like Spain and Germany, where armed police are stationed near synagogues, contrasting this with the current police approach which she described as reactive. She called for proactive measures to prevent incidents, stating, "Why wait until something bad happens? It can be prevented."

Currently, three antisemitism cases involving swastikas and Star of David graffiti are under investigation. In one instance, a suspect was identified, apologized, and paid compensation. While praising the Chief Prosecutor of the Vilnius Region, Justas Laucius, for his assistance, Kukliansky also demanded that police enforce laws against online antisemitic content.

Despite criticism of internal security authorities, Kukliansky commended Lithuania's political stance towards Israel, describing it as "correct and proportionate." She specifically noted the country's response to the October 7th events as appropriate and fitting for the situation.