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Open Letter on Yom Hashoah
by Rabbi Elchonon Baron
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When violent antisemitism is once again rearing its ugly head across Europe, in vile response to the one and only Jewish state facing attempted annihilation on multiple fronts, I am dismayed to see the official organs of the Lithuanian government again assailing the integrity of the sacred Shnipishok cemetery in Vilna, and promoting renewed desecration to the hallowed CURRENT resting place of tens of thousands of our forefathers. Articles in major Lithuanian media outlets earlier today, including those in Lrt.lt and in m.diena.lt.
Rabbi Elchonon Baron answers questions from Lithuanian media during a recent Vilnius Jewish Community protest calling for restoration of the 500 year old sacred Jewish burial site in Vilnius.
This week, I noted with satisfaction that New York City recently designated an historic Lithuanian building with protected landmark status. New York’s Lithuanian population in 1904 (near its peak) was around 15,000, or less than half a percent. Many Lithuanian landmarks there are thankfully protected and preserved, as befitting a free and democratic society. There is an online list.