The EAJC condemns the mass rallies in Ukraine marking Bandera's birthday

On January 1, a torchlight procession took place in downtown Kyiv, commemorating the 113th anniversary of the birth of Stepan Bandera, a prominent leader of the Ukrainian nationalist movement. According to local media, approximately 500 to 600 people participated in the march, carrying lit torches, banners, and chanting nationalist slogans. In total, the National Police of Ukraine reported that around 3,500 people took part in dozens of events commemorating Bandera's anniversary across 20 regions of the country.

The Israeli Embassy in Ukraine condemned the march and requested an investigation into the antisemitic incidents that occurred during the event.

"Israel condemns the nationalist march honoring Bandera. The glorification of those who supported Nazi ideology desecrates the memory of Holocaust victims in Ukraine. We demand a thorough investigation into the antisemitic manifestations that occurred during the march, in accordance with the law adopted in 2021," stated the diplomatic mission of the Jewish State in Kyiv.

The Euro-Asian Jewish Congress (EAJC) joins the position of the Embassy of Israel in Ukraine, noting that on September 22, 2021, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine indeed passed the bill "On Preventing and Combating Antisemitism." The adopted amendments establish civil and criminal liability for antisemitic acts, such as Holocaust denial, the production, distribution, and use of any antisemitic materials, symbols, images, and incitement to antisemitism.

EAJC leadership welcomed the legislation, expressing hope that it would serve as a foundation for a modern Ukrainian society built on principles of respect for national minorities, solidarity, and remembrance of the lessons of the past.

Previously, ahead of his visit to Kyiv, Israeli President Isaac Herzog noted that the memory of the events of World War II is under a dual threat. On one hand, memories are naturally fading over time. On the other, Europe is currently witnessing a dangerous trend of historical revisionism.

We are convinced that Ukraine and Israel can only protect the memory of the horrific events of the Holocaust of European Jewry through joint efforts. Allowing the seeds of hatred and prejudice to develop unchecked is unacceptable, particularly given the notable global rise in antisemitic sentiment.

We call upon Ukrainian law enforcement authorities to treat all suspected antisemitic incidents during the Kyiv march with the utmost seriousness, and to hold those responsible fully accountable.