Protest Incident Clarified
Ukraine's Chief Rabbi Moshe Reuven Azman has dismissed an earlier statement from the Israeli Embassy that alleged participants from the Bratstvo organization displayed Nazi slogans and gestures during a June 21 protest. To get to the bottom of the matter, Azman met with Bratstvo's leader, Dmytro Korchynsky. He pointed out that a video circulating on social media had nothing to do with the June 21 event, as it was recorded much earlier, and the individuals shown are not members of Bratstvo or any other Ukrainian patriotic group.
Moshe Azman's Remarks
Azman suggested the video might feature underage provocateurs, possibly hired by Russian intelligence services.
“We are dealing with minors who were likely used by Russian special services, which are interested in such provocations and paid them money,” he stated.He also spoke with Israel's Ambassador to Ukraine, Michael Brodsky, explaining that the embassy had been misled.
The Israeli Embassy had previously condemned a demonstration at Maidan Nezalezhnosti on June 21, which coincided with the Kyiv Equality March supporting LGBTQ+ rights. Participants in the march urged the adoption of a civil partnership law, while counter-protests by opponents of KyivPride also took place in the city center.
Azman emphasized that Bratstvo members are not antisemitic and expressed their respect for the Jewish people and the State of Israel:
“Dmytro Oleksandrovych specifically stressed that he holds great respect for the Jewish people and the State of Israel, and values the aid that the Jewish community and Israel have provided to Ukraine since the first days of Russia's full-scale invasion.”
“I hope law enforcement will find all these provocateurs. It is critical right now not to let provocations drive a wedge between Ukraine and Israel, or between Ukraine and the global Jewish community. We stand on the same side—the side of light, the side of Ukraine, and the side of truth! Glory to Ukraine! Glory to Israel!” Moshe Azman concluded.
This episode underscores the need to maintain stable Ukraine-Israel relations, especially amid the ongoing challenges both nations face. Rabbi Azman's call to avoid provocations and unite against common threats reflects a commitment to dialogue and mutual understanding between communities. In an era of active information campaigns, it is essential to remain cautious and resist manipulation that could harm ties between peoples.