Israel’s honorary Consul in West Ukraine has expressed shock at the vicious attack on one of the most revered sacred sites in eastern Europe, discovered Wednesday morning at the synagogue of Reb Nachman of Breslov.
Ukrainian vandals placed a pig’s head, upon whose forehead was carved a swastika, on top of the Uman gravesite of the late Talmudic Sage, according to the Breslov Hasidim who arrived early to pray at the site. Pig’s blood was splattered all over the floor and walls of the Rebbe’s tomb, and the adjoining synagogue was smeared with red paint.
Oleg Vyshniakov, honorary Israel Consul in West Ukraine, said, “I am startled by the barbarian attack at the Reb Nachman of Breslov’s Synagogue.
“Anti-Semitism is a severe phenomenon which exists, not only in the Ukraine unfortunately, and it must be addressed immediately and with full force.
“However, what concerns me more in this case is the appearance of this despicable violence directed towards a holy landmark to the Jewish people, occurring just as the relations between Israel and the Ukraine tightens.
“It was only recently that the United Nations held a vote regarding Crimea, in which Israel expressed support in the Ukraine’s right for sovereignty.
“Furthermore, Volodymyr Groysman, Ukraine Prime Minister is scheduled to visit Israel in the near future,” he pointed out, adding that he was “well aware” that there are groups who “may not be in favor” of the these actions.
“These people are traitors,” Vyshniakov stated bluntly, “and should be punished by the full extent of the law. According to the Ukrainian Criminal Law, section number 161, I expect them to receive between five to eight years in prison. Those guilty of these crimes should be arrested and must be sentenced for their deeds, so that it is made clear to all others that they mustn’t act in this manner. I am glad that Yuriy Lutsenko, the Prosecutor General of Ukraine has taken this case under his own hands.”
Vyshniakov added that he hoped Israelis would understand that the attack was carried out as a provocation, and “does not reflect the Ukrainian attitude towards Israel and Israelis in the least.” The Ukrainian people “are very grateful for this support and true friendship,” he emphasized.