May 28, 2020

To: Faina Kukliansky, chairwoman
Lithuanian Jewish Community

Dear Lithuanian Jewish Community chairwoman,

I am writing this letter in the desire to express my sorrow over a gesture which currently is being escalated in the public space, which I allegedly made in the wish to offend, degrade or otherwise negatively affect the people of Lithuania. I respect Lithuania’s democracy and the people living in our country of all ethnicties, and therefore would never offend or insult even one of them.

I apologize that this artificially hyped situation has forces you to talk about the most painful periods of history marked with the lives of innocent people.

I ask you accept my apology and regret that there is an attempt to draw your Community into unfair political games which do harm to the reputation and ethical stature of politicians.

[signed]
Audrys Šimas, member of parliament

1699_001