A Wave of Antisemitism in Ukraine: The EAJC Demands the Authorities Ensure Public Safety

"The leadership of the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress is deeply concerned by the anti-Semitic incidents in Poltava, Odesa, and Ostroh. The desecration of the monument to the victims of Nazism and the tomb of Rabbi Maharsha are cowardly and cynical acts of xenophobia. Human history demonstrates that when the perpetrators of such crimes remain unpunished, it can lead to escalation and even instances of physical violence.

We appeal to the authorities of Ukraine to identify and prosecute those responsible. The fight against anti-Semitism and xenophobia demands decisive action, as well as a consistent moral stance. The Ukrainian Jewish community is an integral part of its country. It is the duty of the state authorities and law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety of the Jewish population," the EAJC statement reads.

As a reminder, one week ago in Poltava, vandals desecrated a memorial sign to Jewish victims of Nazism and the Grieving Mother monument, while in the town of Ostroh, Rivne Oblast, unidentified individuals destroyed the prayer pavilion over the grave of Rabbi Maharsha.

Against the background of an increasing number of anti-Semitic incidents, yesterday the JTA agency reported on the EAJC's intention to expel the Vaad of Ukraine and its leader, Josef Zisels, from its ranks. The reasons for this decision included, among other things, Zisels' statements in support of the UPA, his justification of the Volhynia massacre, as well as harsh remarks addressed to the authorities of Russia and the United States in response to their condemnation of anti-Semitic attacks in Ukraine.