Lithuanian Jewish sites shut after threats amid WWII debate

VILNIUS, Lithuania — Jewish leaders in Lithuania’s capital say they are indefinitely closing the city’s sole synagogue and community centre following threats sparked by an emotional debate over the country’s World War II-era history.

Community leader Faina Kukliansky told The Associated Press on Wednesday the community has lately been receiving threatening calls and letters. “There is an atmosphere of tension and incitement,” Kukliansky said.

The closures come after the Vilnius municipality decided to remove a memorial plaque for a Lithuanian general killed by the Soviets and rename a street originally named after a WWII-era diplomat.

Both wartime figures are controversial, praised by some as national heroes but condemned by others as possible collaborators of Nazi occupiers. A right-wing rally is scheduled later in Vilnius on Wednesday to protest the municipality’s moves.

The Associated Press