What would deepen empathy for Lithuania's Jews? What would deepen empathy for Lithuania's Jews? Answers to this questionnaire will be shared in the Public Domain for all to use freely. Your answers will help me give my presentation in Lublin, Poland about how greater empathy might enable the restoration of Vilnius's oldest Jewish cemetery. I am interested in how changes in our positions depend on changes in our self-identity. You may write to me at ms@ms.lt VGTU Lecturer Andrius Kulikauskas OK Question Title * 1. What would deepen empathy for Lithuania's Jews? OK Question Title * 2. Mark the thoughts below which are most helpful in empathizing with Lithuania's Jews. Before the war, Lithuanians and Jews had good relationships. Conscientious, self-defined Lithuanians are morally responsible for their nation. In 1940-1941, Lithuanians unfairly blamed the Soviet-occupation on Jews. In 1941, the Lithuanian nation chose a "Lithuania without Jews". In our times, a "Lithuania with Jews" would be admired throughout the world. In our times, the Lithuanian nation has yet to desire a "Lithuania with Jews". It is meaningful to know Jews and to interact with them. Jews are always a vulnerable minority. Jews are distinguished by a special self-identity. Kazys Škirpa created the myths: "Jews wronged Lithuanians" and "Lithuanians took revenge on Jews". Lithuanian Grand Dukes and Lithuanian Presidents in 1918-1940 desired a "Lithuania with Jews". Lithuanian Jews are in a complicated situation and not always united. Lithuanian Jews need assistance. Lithuanian Jews suffer, all the more so because Lithuanians do not empathize with them. Lithuanian security would be strengthened by good relations with Lithuania's Jews. Lithuanian war criminals found refuge in the Lithuanian diaspora. Lithuanians could be united by a symbol of empathy for Lithuania's Jews. Lithuanians falsified their history so as to deny the truth. Lithuanians would love each other more if they cared about Lithuania's Jews. Lithuanians wrongly blamed Jewish KGB agents. The tragedy of Lithuanian Jews was quantitatively and qualitatively different than that of Lithuanians. There was no Jewish conspiracy against Lithuanians. Soviets and Nazis damaged the Lithuanian view of the world. We need not apologize for the past, but regret it and empathize with Lithuanian Jews. OK Question Title * 3. Which statements could you believe, given enough information? Jews are a vulnerable minority. Lithuanian Jews are a Lithuanian treasure. Lithuanians hurt the feelings of Lithuanian Jews. It would be good that Lithuanians had empathy for Lithuanian Jews. OK Question Title * 4. What would be meaningful symbols of Lithuanian empathy for Lithuania's Jews? Get rid of all monuments, street names and other symbols commemorating Kazys Škirpa, Jonas Noreika and others who injured Lithuanian Jews. In each city and town where Jews lived, erect large glass bird feeders to care or birds. In Kaunas, place codes which smart phones could read to display images, how life in Kaunas once appeared. In the cities and towns where Jews lived, set up display stands about their history and fate. In Vilnius, dismantle the Sports Palace and restore the historic Jewish cemetery which the Soviets desecrated. In Vilnius, rebuild the Great Synagogue. What other symbols of empathy for Lithuanian Jews might be meaningful? OK Question Title * 5. Do you have any other comments? OK Question Title * 6. What would you like us to know about you? OK FINISH