Can you find Doctor Shabad?

Doctor Tsemach Shabad (1864-1935) was a legendary personality in Vilnius. He was an active member of the local community across many spheres, and dedicated his life to charities for refugees, health care, education and science, public affairs and journalism. You can find the statue commerating him in the former Jewish ghetto.

Dr. Shabad was famous for numerous social acts as well as being the leader of the Vilnius (Wilno) branch of the Folkspartei, or the Jewish People’s Party. His statue now stands in the heart of the Old Town, and his posture conveniently allows passersby to give him a quick hug and take a photograph.

The statue is worth a look if you’re interested in the Russian children’s author and translator Kornei Chukovsky (1882-1969), who based his infamous character Dr. Ouch on Shabad. The girl on the statue’s arm is presumably a representative of the Jewish Community, also commemorated in the statue, or she may be just a friend.