Pakruojis synagogue, 2006. Photo (c) Ruth Ellen GruberMore depressing news. Lithuanian news sources say a possible arson fire has partially destroyed the historic wooden synagogue in the village of Pakruojis!
I have asked for details and will post what I find out.
Meanwhile, Sam Gruber has been in touch with colleagues in Lithuanian who report that:
Anti-Semitism in the country is reaching a "fever pitch" with many repeated articles claiming that Jews (especially George Soros) are wrecking the Lithuanian economy. There is also the "widespread belief that Jews and America prevent the prosecuting of 'Jewish Partisan war criminals.'"I posted in October about the deteriorating condition of the synagogue, which was built in 1801 and is the oldest surviving wooden synagogue in Lithuania. Click HERE. Whatever the reasons, the destruction of this building would represent a tragic loss of a rare and remarkable Jewish heritage site.