Lithuanian Blogger Attacks Israeli Haredim in Vilnius, Faces Police Probe

A disturbing antisemitic incident occurred in Vilnius, Lithuania, when local blogger Gintaras Lotkevičius verbally and physically assaulted three Israeli Haredi men visiting the city for a pilgrimage to Jewish holy sites. The attacker recorded himself confronting the men, spitting at them, and urging passersby to do the same, shouting, "Get out, go home. This is Lithuania." The victims were part of a group visiting graves of Jewish sages, including the Vilna Gaon’s tomb.

Following the viral spread of the video, Vilnius police launched an urgent criminal investigation on suspicion of incitement to national and religious hatred. Lotkevičius was detained but later released under restrictions. He immediately began a crowdfunding campaign to cover his legal expenses.

The Israeli pilgrims expressed serious concerns for their safety, casting doubt on whether they will continue their planned participation in a major event in Vilnius. Faina Kukliansky, chair of Lithuania’s Jewish community, condemned the attack as an isolated incident and assured full legal support for the visitors. She noted that such cases are very rare but warned that tensions from the Middle East conflict could increase local hostility.

Rabbi Shalom-Ber Krinsky, a Chabad emissary in Lithuania for over 30 years, confirmed this was the first physical attack of its kind he had witnessed. He emphasized that Vilnius has become a cosmopolitan city where traditional Jewish attire is now commonly accepted, contrasting with the initial reactions he encountered when arriving in 1994.