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The exhibition „Man Amidst Inhumanity“ 2012-11-29

The Tolerance Center of the Vilna Gaon State Jewish Museum, the Embassy of Hungary, the Embassy of Sweden and the Embassy of Israel to Latvia and Lithuania cordialy invite you to the openining of the exhibition „Man Amidst Inhumanity“ about the Swedish diplomat Raoul Wallenberg. Opening event will take place on the 4th of December, 2012, at 5.30 p.m., in the Tolerance Center (Naugarduko Str.10/2, Vilnius). Professor from University of Lund, Ulf Zander will deliver a Speech „The Scarlet Pimpernel of the Holocaust. Raoul Wallenberg  as a History-Cultural Symbol“. A documentary and exhibition about the diplomatprovided by Hungary‘s Ministry of Foreign Affairs  are devoted to the commemoration of the birth centenary of R. Wallenberg (1912 – around 1947) the Swedish diplomat,  the Righteous Among the Nations, who saved thousands of Hungarian Jews during the Second World War. The language of the event is English with synchronic translation to Lithuanian. Exhibition will be open till 2012 12 31.

The Jewish Community of Lithuania would like to express an unwavering support to the State of Israel in the fight against terrorism. 2012-11-20

 We condemn the terrorist attacks resulting in the death and the wounding of innocent people in Israel. All these attacks against Israel are attacks against freedom and against the humanity in general. We can’t stay silent witnessing our brothers and sisters suffering in Israel.

Israel has the right and must defend itself. We urge all the people of the good will combat terrorism today, as tomorrow may be already too late. History has taught that attacks which start against Israel, doesn’t end on Israel. Thus fight against terrorism is everyone’s obligation – as the State of Israel, as every State of the World, as every person in the World.

The Jewish Community of Lithuania

Statement by High Representative Catherine Ashton on further escalation of violence in Israel and Gaza 2012-11-16

The High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the Commission issued the following statement today:

"I am deeply concerned at the escalating violence in Israel and the Gaza Strip and deplore the loss of civilian lives on both sides. The rocket attacks by Hamas and other factions in Gaza which began this current crisis are totally unacceptable for any government and must stop. Israel has the right to protect its population from these kinds of attacks. I urge Israel to ensure that its response is proportionate.

I spoke with leaders in the region including PM "etanyahu and with the Egyptian President's office and U" Secretary General Ban Ki-moon. I stressed the need to prevent a further escalation and more loss of life. In my discussions I made the point that we must move forward in finding a solution to the Middle East conflict so that millions of people in the region can finally live in peace and security. I hope Egyptian PM Kandil in his visit to Gaza today will be able calm the situation."

Kantor re-elected European Jewish Congress head 2012-11-08

Kantor re-elected European Jewish Congress head Moshe Kantor was re-elected to a new four-year mandate as president of the European Jewish Congress, the democratically-elected organization representing European Jewry, on Wednesday. "I am extremely proud of what we have achieved over the last few years," Kantor said after the vote. "The voice of European Jewry is clearly visible in a united Europe, whose political weight is felt throughout the world."

"We cannot rest on our laurels, there are many challenges for the Jewish communities of Europe to face in the coming years," Kantor said. "Anti-Semitism is growing from both extremes, our traditions are under assault and Israel is constantly under threat of delegitimization. However, we go into the next four years on the back of significant progress, working together with European governments and pan-European institutions who understand the growing threat of anti-Semitism and racism for all European citizens."

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Irena Veisaitė: Religious Fanatiscism Just as Dangerous as Any Other Fanaticism 2012-10-30

Professor Irena VeisaitėLiterary expert, drama expert and professor Irena Veisaitė is the first Lithuanian citizen to receive the coveted Goethe medal. She received this high honor from Germany for a lifetime spent popularizing German language and culture and for her civic position: this Jew who survived the Holocaust has found the inner strength not to condemn nor demean the German people and language.

We sat in Veisaitė’s comfortable home and spoke about the award as well as current challenges, such as the recent play by Italian director Romeo Castelucci which polarized Lithuanians. This interview is about how we can all live in this small world and where to draw the wisdom required to live together.

Did you expect this honorable German award?

I really did not. News of it came like thunder from a blue sky, unexpectedly, but it was very nice. It’s always nice to be appreciated and respected. I am very happy. The German press lent a lot of attention to my award and I gave a number of interviews. Many of my friends traveled to Weimar. The ceremony itself was quite beautiful. It took place in the ornate Carl Augustus castle. While I was being presented the prize, the bells of Weimar Cathedral rang out. They always ring on August 28, on the day and hour the writer was born. This was quite unexpected and a meaningful coincidence, I felt. Almost miraculous. Although I have taught German literature all my life, I’d never been to Weimar before. I stayed there for three days as if in a dream. The Goethe medal is considered a high distinction. It is highly respected. I felt almost uncomfortable receiving it. The award was awarded the 58th time this year. Last year our neighbor, the noted Polish intellectual Adam Michnik, received the medal.

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