In Kaunas, the Sugihara Foundation announced the recipients of the annual Tolerance Person award and the Leonid Donskoy Prize. The award for Tolerance Person was presented to Danutė Selčinskaja, a curator from the Vilna Gaon Jewish State Museum, recognized for her significant efforts in promoting tolerance and combating xenophobia, anti-Semitism, and persecution in Lithuanian society. The award is aimed at individuals who stand against violence, radicalism, and discrimination in public life.

The Leonid Donskoy Prize was awarded to Sergej Kanovičius, a notable writer and advocate for Jewish heritage. This prize acknowledges long-term efforts to enhance civic awareness, tolerance, and the defense of human rights, as well as fostering dialogue among differing opinions and promoting education and enlightenment. The prize seeks to honor those who contribute meaningfully to the discourse of respect and the embracing of varied perspectives in a pluralistic society.

Both awards highlight the ongoing commitment to tolerance in Lithuania, especially in the context of its history with Jewish communities and the importance of countering discrimination. These recognitions serve as reminders of the values of understanding and respect that are crucial for social harmony in the face of prejudice and division.