A public Hanukkiah, erected in the northern Ukrainian city of Chernihiv, was vandalized Monday morning, and an antisemitic message was left at the scene. The menorah was knocked over, and a sign placed beside it read, “This is not our culture. Go away, Jews.” The menorah had been installed after careful coordination with local authorities, who initially raised security concerns. Approval was eventually granted, and public candle lighting ceremonies were held throughout the Hanukkah holiday, with security services present.
On Monday, the final day of the holiday, the menorah was toppled, and the offensive note was left nearby. Rabbis Yisrael Silberstein and David Regboy, who led the public ceremonies during Hanukkah, have been in contact with local authorities following the incident.
This was not the only incident in recent times involving threats against Chernihiv’s long established Jewish community. About six weeks ago, anonymous messages were sent to the community center's mobile phone, with demands for money accompanied by images of a person holding a knife, waving cash and wearing a kippah. In one message, the sender wrote, “G-d has all the money,” and he urged recipients to “recite Psalms.” The messages were reported to police, but local authorities have not yet released details about suspects or motive. Jewish community leaders fear the vandalism marks an escalation in threats and risk of harm.
Notwithstanding the troubling incidents, the public Hanukkah candle lightings proceeded without incident, in Chernihiv and across Ukraine. The events, which required special approval due to the ongoing war, drew thousands of participants, including government officials in Kyiv.
We hope and pray that next Hanukkah will be celebrated in peace. Together we save lives and restore hope.
