In light of the extraordinary scope, depth, and significance of the 2026 archaeological discoveries at the site of the Vilna Great Synagogue and the surrounding Great Synagogue Square, we respectfully call upon the leaders of Lithuania to preserve, protect, and cherish this exceptional part of Vilnius Old Town.

The site lies at the historic heart of the city once renowned throughout the Jewish world as the “Jerusalem of Lithuania.” Its surviving remains possess immense historical, cultural, archaeological, and religious significance.

Plans by a certain quango to erect a modern administrative building over or amid these historic remains should therefore be cancelled. Architects' drawings of what is planned are here: https://e.pcloud.link/publink/show?code=kZYtecZvgRSJ1gY8sB1N16B4I2BLBQrSXHX

Instead, leading specialists from Lithuania and abroad should be invited to determine the best means of preserving, protecting, presenting, and, where appropriate, restoring or reconstructing this unique European cultural treasure.

These archaeological treasures belong not only to the Jewish people but also to Lithuania and to the heritage of Europe. The extent and importance of the Great Synagogue Square bear powerful witness to the tradition of multicultural coexistence and religious tolerance fostered in the Grand Duchy of Lithuania.

The Gaon of Vilna himself prayed in the Great Synagogue on holidays and other special occasions. Documentary evidence for the synagogue courtyard and surrounding Jewish communal complex reaches deep into the sixteenth century, while Lithuanian Jewish tradition associates this site with Jewish prayer and study going back to the era of Gediminas, founder of Vilnius, a little over seven hundred years ago.

The government-financed foundation (a quango)  currently planning a modernist administrative building at the site cannot reasonably be regarded as having the right to alter irreversibly or effectively destroy such a treasure of Vilnius Old Town for the benefit of its own offices, staff, or associated institutions. Nor does any single foundation have the authority to speak for the Jewish people of Lithuania or for the wider Jewish world on the fate of a site of such universal importance.

The foundation and the official (state-financed) Jewish community already occupy substantial and elegant premises elsewhere in Vilnius. Should additional state-funded administrative premises be considered necessary, they can surely be constructed at an appropriate alternative location without sacrificing one of the most important surviving Jewish historical sites in Europe.

The remains of the Great Synagogue and its historic square — whether preserved in situ, carefully restored, or, following expert study, partially reconstructed in the future — have the potential to become an extraordinary cultural and spiritual destination for visitors from around the world. Among them would be many of the approximately one million Orthodox Jews who proudly identify with the Litvish tradition and who continue to study Torah, pray, and maintain religious traditions profoundly shaped by Lithuanian Jewish civilization.

Preserving this site would bring lasting honour and benefit to Lithuania and would demonstrate the country's commitment to safeguarding the finest elements of its multicultural heritage. Irreversibly damaging or building over it would constitute a profound loss not only to Jewish history but also to Vilnius Old Town, whose unique character, historical integrity, and beauty deserve the highest level of protection.

We therefore respectfully urge Lithuania’s national and municipal leaders to halt the proposed construction at the Great Synagogue site and to ensure that the newly revealed archaeological remains and the historic Great Synagogue Square are preserved for future generations. For more background on the saga please see the section in Defending History: https://defendinghistory.com/category/vilnas-great-synagogue-its-courtyard-shulheyf

Thank you for your support.
Ruta Bloshtein
Vilnius