A review took place by security experts of the European Jewish Congress (EJC) of the incident at the Choral Synagogue in Vilnius on September 14, 2026, to assess the incident and make recommendations.

The team visited Vilnius, looked at all statements made on the subject, met with a number of individuals involved and reviewed video footage of the event from multiple sources and angles.

Key findings and recommendations of the team included the following:

During prayer times, visitors not known to the community must register by QR code at least 24 hours in advance. A sign with instructions is posted on the door of the synagogue. A background check is then performed. Known community members may enter without a background check. 

There have been recent threats regarding an attack on the Vilnius synagogue issued by Jewish security agencies.  There is also an elevated threat level to synagogues in Europe. Special security measures are encouraged over the general holiday period. 

In view of one concrete threat, a decision was appropriately made by LJC to close the synagogue to the general public for non-prayer times during the High Holy Days. 

A notice to this effect was placed on the door of the synagogue.  

Despite the closure of the synagogue Rabbi Krinsky attempted to allow five individuals  to enter. They were not subject to any prior screening whatsoever. This was a major breach of the security protocols in place.  Despite the security risk created by Rabbi Krinsky insisting on bringing unknown visitors into the synagogue in breach of procedures and ignoring the directions of the security guard on site, the security officer while correctly enforcing the closure on security grounds should have taken more steps to try to prevent the situation escalating to physical contact.  

The team recommended that all parties should be formally notified that breach of the security procedures are not acceptable, and under no circumstances will be permitted in the future.

The team also recommended that additional training on how to try to handle such incidents should be provided to the security guards. This training has been provided.

We are living at a time of unprecedented risk to Jewish communities and institutions.

The LJC is committed to the safety and security of the Jewish community .