Alarm: anti-Semitism is rampant in Ukraine

Delegation of human rights activists from Ukraine presented the members of the data concern about growing anti-Semitism in the country.

Knesset members from all parliamentary groups, including Knesset members of factions, Shas, Habayit Hayehudi, Yesh Atid and Yahadut Hatorah attended today (Wednesday) an emergency debate on the occasion of arrival of a senior delegation of human rights activists from Ukraine to Israel to raise awareness of rising anti-Semitism in their country. The visit took place in the wake of numerous recent extraordinary events in Ukraine, including attempted murder and assaulting Jews, physical threats on the head and members of the Jewish community and clearly anti-Semitic activities against the Jewish community throughout the country.

At the outset, members asked many who came to discuss strengthening the Ukrainian delegation, MK Meshulam Nahari (Shas ) began by saying that he is closely followed by this painful issue for years, "I wanted to raise anti-Semitism phenomenon in the Ukraine before the Knesset two weeks ago, I also contacted the Jewish Agency which accepted the request to fund the security around Jewish institutions in these areas, we are in close contact with the Jews in the country and we will continue to use all relevant tools, we cannot let anti-Semitism rear its head in a country like Ukraine."

MK Yoel Roseboseov (Yesh Atid), who chairs the Knesset Immigration and Absorption Committee, told the visitors that the issue is sensitive and every word is unnecessary, "I act like all members of the Knesset for peace of Jews of Ukraine as well as the safety of all the Jews of the world, we will consider at the Committee to hold a hearing on the matter, when our message is that we do not forget this painful issue of anti-Semitism, treating it and hope that regional conflict will pass."

Among the guests from Ukraine were VP human rights organization "Civil Platform", Dimitri Gobineau, along with him came one of the main activities of Ukraine and of the anti- fascist and a famous writer Miroslava Hanti Fashisti, and a senior journalist h Ms. Alona Reododitzka, a board member of the Foundation Jewish Culture in Ukraine and active senior ultra-Orthodox Jewish community, Ms. Galina Libinska.

Representatives were joined by the delegation of major and leading media outlets in Eastern Europe, Ukraine and neighboring countries. One of them, Sergei Hauslander said that this unique expedition came to speak out for those who do not dare get their voices heard and say publicly they came to cover the expedition. Discussion said representatives of human rights organizations in Ukraine that some of their friends wanted to get them but feared the media exposure and will therefore harassment and attacks by the anti-Semitic elements in the country, "We make a noise, came to tell you and to present MKs our pain human rights activists, Jews and non-Jews, the growing anti-Semitism in our country, this phenomenon is widespread and dangerous and we are concerned about it daily." Mrs. Brandik said that "There are neo-Nazis often, you can avoid a lot of the activities of anti-Semitism in the country but now the situation is much more frightening than before, and set a real threat to life ."

MK Zevulun Kalfa (Habayit Hayehudi) said to guests from Ukraine that one cannot let anti-Semites around the world raise their heads and spread terror among the Jews of the Diaspora and the world, " it's not just our elected public officials who need to come out to condemn, but at the state level should be real actions for the Jews of Ukraine ". MK Kalfa said that he will discuss the matter with Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman, "we will not allow this important subject to rest, it is our responsibility to take care of the Jews of the world and this is what we will do".

MK Moti Yogev (Habayit Hayehudi) requested hearing members of the Ukrainian delegation data about actual increase in the volume of anti-Semitism, saying that he will raise the issue in the Knesset plenum and committee, "We are committed as MK's to operate and care for the welfare of Jews in Ukraine with all our might. If it is correct to will hold secret or public discussions, we will do whatever it takes to help the hands of the Jews in Ukraine, and in general". Yogev revealed to the participants that he had discussed the matter with Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman who told him that in Ukraine an anti-Semitic government rose". The orientation of the regime established after frightening and raises serious associations in this dark period. "

During the discussion, the delegation presented MK's chilling documentary about the recent cases in their state, the extent of rising anti-Semitism and fear of the Jewish state to develop anti-Semitic past year. Rabbi Hillel Cohen of the leaders of the Hatzalah in Ukraine, which was attacked last month in the country also came with his daughter, and said that "since the anti-Semitic party raised its head anti Semitism began. It's a shame we didn’t shout then."

Mrs. Bradnik said at the end that she and her friends took a risk actually reaching this expedition, but "you know that statement which comes out of this house is very significant. Bradnik revealed and said that "the reason that representatives of the neo -Nazi party, were not invited to the European Parliament after receiving the letter of 62 MK's who approached Chairman of the Parliament on the matter."

To summarize the discussion, MK Nissim Zeev (Shas ), which was one of the signatories of a letter signed by dozens of members of parliament to the president of the European Parliament on anti-Semitism in Ukraine , that the introduction of a clear and unequivocal statement , "We will do everything to protect the Jewish people and the residents of Ukraine. We must not falter at this time, we must strengthen the Diaspora Jews, calling them to come to Israel, and those who remained in these countries, we need to help, to work for the safety and security and, we will act all together."