The Lithuanian Jewish Community expresses its profound concern regarding the decision adopted by the parliament or Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania following its initial approval of draft resolution No. XVP-1423 which effectively revives plans first proposed more than a decade ago to convert the former Vilnius Sports Palace into a venue for congresses, conferences and cultural events (Government Resolution No. 597 of June 9, 2015).

These plans had previously provoked strong opposition from international Jewish organizations, including Jewish religious authorities. According to Jewish religious law, a cemetery is sacred and inviolable ground; not only are entertainment events and concerts prohibited there, but even disturbing the soil is forbidden. It was precisely for this reason that a special working group was established, bringing together representatives of state institutions, the Lithuanian Jewish Community and international organizations.

After lengthy and complex discussions, a compromise solution was reached, one that balanced respect for the dead, preservation of historical memory and the public interest. This agreement was confirmed by the Government of the Republic of Lithuania in July of 2024 (No. S-2174 of July 17, 2024).

The working group agreed that both the Sports Palace and the entire territory of the Šnipiškės Jewish Cemetery should be dedicated to commemoration and opened to the public as a space of reflection, historical awareness and respect. Particular attention was to be devoted to creating a meaningful synergy between the building and the memorial grounds, honoring the memory of the Lithuanian Sąjūdis movement and those who sacrificed their lives for Lithuania’s independence, while also restoring awareness of the old cemetery and the history of the Jewish community of Vilnius.

The Šnipiškės Jewish Cemetery holds exceptional significance for Jews throughout the world. It is the burial place of the renowned Vilna Gaon, one of the most eminent Jewish religious authorities of the18th century, a distinguished interpreter of the Torah and Talmud and a symbol of Litvak religious thought whose name is known worldwide. Many other members of the Vilnius Jewish community who contributed profoundly to Lithuania’s history, culture and development are buried there as well.

Regrettably, this agreement is now being disregarded, and neither the Lithuanian Jewish Community nor international Jewish organizations were involved in the most recent decision-making process.

The LJC wishes to emphasize Jews have lived in Lithuania for more than 600 years and, like representatives of all other religious communities, have the right to expect respect for their dead and their sites of eternal rest. It is difficult to imagine a conference or entertainment center being established on the grounds of a Catholic cemetery. We also note, to the best of our knowledge, the development of other conference venues in Vilnius is already underway.

In his essay Dream of a Vanished Jerusalem, Lithuanian National Prize laureate and writer Grigory Kanovich wrote: “Where is the cemetery where the Gaon was buried?” For many Jews in Lithuania and around the world, this question is far more than a literary metaphor. It is a painful matter of historical memory, respect for the dead and human dignity.

Therefore, today we call for a sober and responsible evaluation of economic or infrastructure considerations, but moreover the moral, historical and human aspects of this problem. We are not talking about an ordinary plot of land in the city center, but about a place of eternal rest, about historical memory and about the ability of a state to respect the dignity of its citizens and communities.

The Lithuanian Jewish Community urges the parliament and the Government of the Republic of Lithuania to uphold agreements previously reached, honor Lithuania’s international commitments and preserve the territory of the Šnipiškės Jewish Cemetery as a place of remembrance and respect.

Faina Kukliansky, chairwoman,
Lithuanian Jewish Community