The EAJC condemns the acts of antisemitism in Kyiv

In Kyiv, during the celebration of Hanukkah, two menorahs were vandalized. The first was overturned by Andrey Rachok, a resident of Kyiv, who posted a video of his actions on social media. After toppling the menorah, Rachok stated, "Ukrainians, we are the power, and the graves are for the Jews," and explained that this serves as an example of how to "deal with foreigners who engage in the usurpation of power, occupation of territories, and genocide." Criminal proceedings have already been initiated against him under Part 1 of Article 296 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (hooliganism).

The second Hanukkah menorah was damaged three days later. Unidentified individuals defaced a plaque bearing a Hanukkah congratulatory message.

The Euro-Asian Jewish Congress strongly condemns these acts of vandalism, viewing them as overt manifestations of antisemitism. President of the EAJC, Dr. Mikhael Mirilashvili, stated: "The desecration of the Hanukkah menorah by A. Rachok is not mere hooliganism, but an antisemitic act. We strongly disagree with the decision of the Ukrainian law enforcement agencies to initiate criminal proceedings under the charge of hooliganism and their failure to detain Rachok.

His statement regarding graves for Jews provides the Ukrainian authorities with sufficient grounds to revise and expand the charges. For his provocative, unprecedentedly insolent, and socially dangerous crime, Rachok must be held accountable to the full extent of the law. We at the EAJC will closely monitor this case and will not allow it to be ignored.

Regarding the second incident, it is also imperative to conduct a thorough investigation to determine the true motives behind the act.

We call upon the Ukrainian authorities to prosecute those responsible as swiftly as possible, thereby preventing similar incidents in the future."