Jews in Lithuania

In response to “In Defense of a Nation Falsely Singled Out,” by Aleksandras Shtromas, Commentary, Sept. 24:

Shtromas tries to minimize the role of Lithuanians as Nazi collaborators during the Holocaust. He also makes the extraordinary statement that there was no violence against Jews in Lithuania for 600 years. This statement contravenes historical fact. My late grandmother left Lithuania at the turn of the century because of the violence, as did many members of her family and friends. They would most certainly deny his claim.

Lithuanians were among the worst criminals and killers of Jews during the Holocaust and before, where violence occurred against Jews on a regular basis, making it miserable for Jews to exist. Vilna was a major center of Jewish culture and life until World War II. Now there are, according to a Times article printed the same day (front page), a few thousand Jews in a community that once held a quarter-million.

Why is Shtromas’ article in the paper? You make it appear as though there is a serious controversy over whether the Lithuanians helped murder the Jews.

DEBORAH LURYA

Orange