Jewish Population in Lithuania

The Jewish population in Lithuania was historically substantial, especially before World War II, when approximately 200,000 Jews lived there, making up about 7% of the total population. The Holocaust decimated this community, with most Jews murdered or fleeing during the Nazi occupation. Today, the Jewish community in Lithuania is much smaller, numbering around a few hundred to a thousand people, primarily involved in cultural and historical preservation. While their numbers have declined significantly, Lithuania continues to acknowledge its Jewish heritage through museums, memorials, and cultural events, reflecting a recognition of the community’s historical significance.