For whole decades Iran has sown death, harbouring and supporting financially terrorist groups, threatening to acquire a nuclear bomb and inciting hate and violence. The brutal massacre on Israeli territory on October 7, 2023, shocked the world, when Hamas terrorists raped and killed women, children, the elderly and others ruthlessly. For the civilized world, this attack planned in Iranian command centers was a blood-curdling reminder of the consequences of unchecked terror and the extremist regime. For Litvaks it was proof the aspiration to exterminate the Jewish people was not just an empty threat.

The Islamic Republic of Iran has persecuted the Iranian people for decades as well, imprisoning, torturing and murdering hundreds of thousands of citizens for seeking freedom, dignity and a life without coercion. This regime poses a threat beyond the Middle East to the entire democratic world. The international community has tried for years to put a halt to their aggression through diplomatic means, agreements and economic sanctions. This has not led to a change in direction by the regime giving up violence, nuclear ambitions and support for terrorism.

When the threat became existential, someone had to act. Today Israel and the United States have stepped up both to protect their own citizens and the whole world. This is not a war against the Persian people or a religion. It is a war against an extremist repressive regime and the violence it continues to practice.

The Lithuanian Jewish Community supports the state of Israel and the United States in their and our fight against terrorism. Our thoughts and prayers are with our brothers and sisters who are risking their lives to secure peace for all of us.

Am Israel chai.