Regional Jewish community being founded in Vilnius

Representatives of the new association informed about its establishment on Thursday, further raising tension among Jewish organizations.

Simonas Gurevičius, head of Vilnius Jewish Community, says not all willing were able to attend the founding meeting, and believes the new community is being established to support Faina Kukliansky, head of the Lithuanian Jewish Community.

A statement on Thursday said the newly-established Vilnius regional Jewish community "will actively unite Jews from the Vilnius region for constructive work" with both the Lithuanian Jewish Community and regional Jewish communities and public organizations, and would also represent social, cultural and political interests of Jews from Vilnius and its region as well as unite older and younger members for joint activities.

Meanwhile Gurevičius said the founding meeting took place in secret and some members from his community were refused entry. He also said he had no information about the objectives of the new organization.

He, nevertheless, believes the new community would be loyal to the Lithuanian Jewish Community.

Gurevičius reminded of the Vilnius District Court's ruling in December, concluding that Kukliansky was unlawfully re-elected chairwoman of the Lithuanian Jewish Community.

Meanwhile, Kukliansky claims the election of Vilnius Jewish Community's chairman in May was also unlawful. Following the election, Gurevicius replaced Kukliansky who was also chairwoman of Vilnius Jewish Community at the time. Both decisions have been appealed.