Netanya Municipality officially forged a sister cities alliance yesterday with the charming town of Birštonas in Lithuania. While both Netanya and Birštonas share common ground as tourist-centric cities with economies centered around hotels and hospitality, a unique parallel can be drawn in the striking resemblance between the mayors, Miriam Feierberg of Netanya and Nijole Dirginciene of Birštonas, lending an intriguing layer to the concept of 'twins.'       I

However, the likeness concludes there, as Birštonas, with its modest population of around 5,000 residents, stands in stark contrast to the bustling city of Netanya

To commemorate the signing of the sister cities pact, the Lithuanian embassy in Israel hosted the mayor of Birštonas and her team, inviting them to showcase the city's attractions to Israeli tourists. Nestled along the banks of the Nemunas River, equidistant from Vilnius and Kaunas, Birštonas boasts mineral-rich artesian wells, surrounded by spa and health treatment centers that draw healing seekers from across Europe

Annually, approximately 150,000 tourists, including 2,500 Israelis, explore Birštonas. Many are mature Israeli travelers from Lithuanian and Soviet immigrant families, reminiscing about the allure of this resort town and its distinguished spa. The city's tourism head, Rūta Kapacinskaitė, proudly highlights its rich history, with mineral waters recognized since 1382, serving as a retreat for Lithuanian nobility in medieval times and opening its doors to the public 175 years ago

Birštonas is currently experiencing a surge in hotel development, spanning from quaint cottages and boutique hotels to luxurious accommodations, totaling 3,000 beds, a remarkable increase from the 1,700 available in 2013. The city provides a diverse array of health treatments under the careful supervision of medical professionals

Beyond health treatments, tourists can engage in sports activities such as riverboat rides, cycling along riverbanks, canoeing in serene lagoons, and rollerblading. The city is home to Lithuania's tallest observation tower, offering a stunning hot air balloon flight over the picturesque valley and river

Tourists are also encouraged to explore UNESCO heritage sites in Vilnius and Kaunas, with a notable visit to the grave of the Gaon of Vilnius. While kosher observant visitors can arrange for kosher meals in select Birštonas hotels, advanced reservations are necessary and limited to group bookings due to logistical complexities

Arunas Karlonas, the Economic Attaché of the Lithuanian Embassy in Israel, expresses a keen interest in fostering tourism from Israel, especially considering the current requirement for visitors to be vaccinated. The use of a green pass is mandatory for entry into hotels and restaurants, though there is no obligation to wear masks in public spaces. Lithuania's accommodation and restaurant prices are notably affordable compared to other European destinations. Additionally, PCR testing can be conveniently conducted at hotels and spas before travelers return to Israel

Presently, there are four weekly flights from Israel to Vilnius, operated by Wizz Air and Ryanair. Pre-COVID, connecting flights from Ben Gurion Airport to Vilnius were offered by Air Baltic and LOT, signaling a potential revival of these routes as the pandemic wanes

Despite Birštonas' official denial of a historical Jewish presence, historical records suggest otherwise. The town, known as "Birshtan" in Yiddish, once hosted a few Jewish families permanently and attracted many more during the summer kite season. The denial may stem from unfamiliarity with the city's history or reluctance to acknowledge the tragic fate of the local Jewish community during the Holocaust. In 1941, all Jews were forcibly removed to the Jewish ghetto in Butrimonys, facing violence and looting from their non-Jewish neighbors. The descendants of those involved may bear the weight of this dark history, prompting reflection on the importance of acknowledging and learning from the past

Nevertheless, Birštonas extends a warm welcome to Jewish and Israeli visitors today