The history of the larger Jewish community in Vilnius began in the late 16th century, marked by the formation of the Jewish quarter and the construction of notable sites like Jewish Street and the Great Vilnius Synagogue. In the 19th century, Vilnius was known as the "Jerusalem of the North," boasting over 100 synagogues and a thriving Yiddish culture. Tragically, the Jewish community was exterminated during the Nazi occupation period. Under Soviet rule, Soviet antisemitism prompted many Jews to emigrate to Israel. Lithuania regained independence in 1990, and since then, efforts have been made to immortalize Lithuania's Jewish memory through sculptures, memorials, museums, street names, and artworks.
Ten Jewish Heritage Sites Worth Visiting in Vilnius Center:
Jewish Quarter and Jewish Street (Žydų, Stiklių, Antokolskio, and Gaono streets).
Sculpture of Vilnius Gaon and the site of the Great Synagogue (Žydų str. 7).
Paintings on the walls depicting Jewish life in the Jewish quarter - The project "The Walls That Remember" (Švarco, Stiklių, Antokolskio, Mesinių streets).
Genocide Victims Square, a memorial to the Genocide victims (Mėsinių str. 3A).
Sculpture of Dr. Tsemakh Shabad, known as the real prototype of Doctor Dolittle (the corner of Dysnos and Mėsinių streets).
Ghetto Theatre (Arklių str. 5).
Ghetto Library (Žemaitijos str. 4).
Choral Synagogue (Pylimo str. 39).
Vilna Gaon Jewish State Museum and Samuel Bak Museum (Naugarduko str. 10/2).
Sculpture of Leonard Cohen (Ligoninės str. 2).
To request an excursion with a local guide, you can contact toseevilnius@gmail.com
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