The world has not yet forgotten the terrible shooting of defenseless Jewish people during prayer in a USA synagogue. The motivation of that Pennsylvania shooter was utterly cruel: “Jewish people should get away from the United States”.
A similar motivation was voiced out two weeks ago in Vinnitsa, Ukraine. The Vinnitsa region has been a place where a lot of Jewish people have lived for centuries. Late in the 19thcentury, Jewish people made up about 20% of the population of this region. Today, the figure has dropped to about 12%.
Vinnitsa forests hide immense Jewish cemeteries dating back to the time of WWII. German Nazis shot Jewish people with the same cruelty as the Pennsylvania shooter.
Below: Jewish cemeteries and mass graves in Vinnitsa forests. Image sources: Internet
Late in the 19th century, Jewish people established a synagogue in Vinnitsa. It is still there, whole and functioning. This synagogue and Jewish people who live in Vinnitsa, and Ukraine, in general, have caused a lot of dissatisfaction among local people. Late in October, there was a public protest against the upcoming increase of prices for kitchen gas for the population. Some blame the Jews for this increase!
These false accusations against the Jewish community have now led to resentment against the Synagogue being the predominant place of worship in the city centre. Activists are now saying:”Why is there a synagogue in the center of an orthodox Christian city?” “Why do we see Jewish symbols everywhere in Vinnitsa?” “We are against non-Ukrainians in the government” (the Prime Minister of Ukraine Vladymir Groysman is Jewish, originating from Vinnitsa).
Does it remind you of anything? Can it be that the story will happen again?
To this text, we attach pieces of the footage taken at the protest action against the gas price growth. The meeting took place right at the door of Vinnitsa city hall.
Below: People we have recently helped because the have suffered anti-semitism.
