Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with representatives of local Jewish religious groups and interacted with students at a Jewish school in Kyiv ahead of Pesach.
During his visit, Zelenskyy participated in a school lesson and expressed gratitude for the invitation on such a significant Jewish holiday, emblematic of the triumph of liberty over oppression, as per his office’s statement.
“The symbolism of being in a Jewish school within a bomb shelter on the eve of Passover is profound. It signifies that every nation, regardless of circumstances, strives for freedom and upholds its values. The presence of children in a bomb shelter is not of their choosing but a consequence of Russia’s actions… The Jewish community’s solidarity with Ukraine in the fight for freedom resonates for the sake of our children and our collective future,” remarked Volodymyr Zelenskyy during discussions with rabbis.
Highlighting the critical need for reinforced air defense to safeguard Ukrainians, the President also acknowledged the pivotal role of Jewish organizations in rallying international support, notably from the United States, for Ukraine’s cause.
Chief rabbis affirmed their commitment to remain in Ukraine throughout the conflict, underscoring the importance of solidarity with their community during wartime. They pledged ongoing efforts and prayers for Ukraine’s triumph.
Zelenskyy has frequently been targeted by contentious remarks from Russian leadership regarding his Jewish heritage.
In September, Russian President Vladimir Putin insinuated Western influence in Zelenskyy’s presidency, suggesting it served to obscure alleged Nazi glorification.
Responding to Putin’s remarks, Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry condemned the linking of Zelenskyy’s Jewish background to Nazi glorification, denouncing it as a manifestation of deep-seated antisemitism within Russian elites.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov drew criticism in May for suggesting Adolf Hitler had Jewish ancestry during an interview, citing Zelenskyy’s Jewish roots. Lavrov’s comments provoked condemnation, with Zelenskyy asserting they demonstrated Moscow’s disregard for lessons from World War II.
In June, Putin dismissed Zelenskyy’s Jewish heritage amid questions about labeling him a “Nazi,” adding to the contentious discourse surrounding Zelenskyy’s ethnicity.
{Matzav.com}