Stop German troops desecration of Jewish graves in Lithuania

On September 22, the Old Žaliakalnis Jewish Cemetery was desecrated, reported (https://lzbltkauno.wordpress.com) the portal of the Jewish Community of Kaunas.

It is reported that Aira Sesartyte, a resident of Kaunas, learnt about the Jewish graves desecration by German soldiers. She did not remain indifferent, hastened to the place and took pictures of what was happening.


In total, about 30 Jewish tombstones were demolished and destroyed by the tracks of a German tank. In addition, on the same day, a large swastika was painted on the memorial stone at the entrance. The fences were painted with inscriptions and symbols of anti-Semitic and pro fascist content.
The police launched an investigation.

It is known that “German days” were held in Kaunas form September 16th to September 22nd.
During the week, Mechanized Infantry Brigade “Iron Wolf” and NATO enhanced Forward Presence Battlegroup demonstrated military equipment to Kaunas residents in a parking lot near Kaunas Castle.
After the demonstration of military equipment, the German tank was supposed to return to the place of permanent deployment at the Rukla military base.

“Their behaviour is their own responsibility and a matter of conscience. But a normal person could not do this,” said Gercas Žakas, the chairman of the Kaunas Jewish community. “And if persons are guilty, if they do something that is against the law, they should be punished despite the fact that NATO troops are our allies. In addition, the municipality responsible for maintaining the cemetery should consider how to protect the cemetery from such vandalism.”

“Such acts of vandalism recall the tragic historical events that we hope will never happen again with us or in any other country,” the community said in a statement. - This is vandalism, and our feelings are defiled. ”


It is known that in Germany vandals desecrate Jewish cemeteries on average, once every two weeks. In 2018, the Federal Ministry of the Interior reported that 21 anti-Semitic attacks on synagogues and other Jewish religious sites were committed during the year.

“For every citizen and the nation the Jewish (Litvak) cemeteries and mass graves in Kaunas district are not only memory, but also an important evidence of the past and present, reflecting the culture and traditions of the nation. The history of Lithuanian Jewry is an integral part of the entire history of Lithuania. All old Jewish cemeteries and places of mass killings of Jews in Kaunas are included in the Register of Immovable Cultural Valuables of the Republic of Lithuania.”

Žaliakalnis Jewish Cemetery was founded in 1861, the cemetery was closed in 1952. Several famous Jewish artists are buried at this cemetery, including the singer Danielius Dolskis as well as the artist Jokūbas Mesenbliumas. Some of the graves of the Jewish soldiers who died in the Lithuanian Freedom Struggles are still intact. The remains of Holocaust victims have also been reposed at the cemetery and a monument has been erected in their honor.
The Jewish Community of Kaunas calls for opposing anti-Semitism, finding and prosecuting German troops deployed in Lithuania responsible for desecrating Jewish cemeteries in Kaunas.