Lithuanian FM pays tribute on anniversary of birth of Vilna Gaon

Lithuanian Foreign Minister Linus Linkevicius marks the 300th anniversary of the birth of the Vilna Gaon, Elijah ben Solomon Zalman, one of the foremost leaders of Eastern European Jewry.

“Today, by his grave in Vilnius, I am paying the highest tribute to Vilna Gaon, an eternal symbol of Lithuanian Jewish culture and history. The magnitude of Vilna Gaon’s contribution to the spiritual Jewish life is immensely important,” Linkevicius tweets.

Israel’s Foreign Minister Israel Katz tweets in response: “300 years ago today, one of Judaism’s greatest religious thinkers, the Vilna Gaon, was born in Vilnius. His legacy & the rich history of Lithuania’s Jewish community lives on. Thank you to FM @LinkeviciusL for this meaningful tribute at the Vilna Gaon’s grave this morning.”

300 years since the birth of Vilna Gaon. Today, by his grave in Vilnius, I am paying the highest tribute to Vilna Gaon, an eternal symbol of Lithuanian Jewish culture and history. The magnitude of Vilna Gaon's contribution to the spiritual Jewish life is immensely important. pic.twitter.com/9K8SYAxqQS

— Linas Linkevicius (@LinkeviciusL) April 23, 2020