The Lithuanian Jewish (Litvak) Community expresses its profound concern regarding the decision adopted by the Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania, following its initial consideration, to approve draft resolution No. XVP-1423, which effectively revives plans first proposed more than a decade ago to convert the former Vilnius Palace of Concerts and Sports into a venue for congresses, conferences, and cultural events (Government Resolution No. 597 of 9 June 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 deceased, preservation of historical memory, and public interest. This agreement was confirmed by the Government of the Republic of Lithuania in July 2024 (No. S-2174 of 17 July 2024).

The working group agreed that both the former Vilnius Palace of Concerts and Sports 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 the eighteenth 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 Jewish community of Vilnius, who contributed profoundly to Lithuania’s history, culture, and economy, are also buried there.

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

The Lithuanian Jewish (Litvak) Community wishes to emphasize that 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 deceased and their places 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 that, 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.

Today, therefore, we call for a responsible evaluation not only of economic or infrastructural considerations, but also of the moral, historical, and human dimensions of this issue. We are not speaking about an ordinary plot of land in the city center. We are speaking 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 (Litvak) Community urges the Seimas and the Government of the Republic of Lithuania to uphold the 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 (Litvak) Community