The overwhelming majority of Ukrainians view Jews favorably, and in recent years, both the government and society have made great efforts to counter anti-Semitism. This was stated at the Kyiv Jewish Forum-2020 by the US special envoy to monitor and combat anti-Semitism Elan Carr.
“Last year I was honored to be one of the keynote speakers at the first ever Kyiv Jewish Forum. It was a wonderful event and I am so thrilled that you are doing this again. This is truly a huge achievement!” stated Carr.
He noted that the life of the Jewish community in Ukraine is developing, and the country itself is transforming. In Ukraine, the level of anti-Semitism is declining: according to a recent Pew Research Center poll, 83% of Ukrainians view Jews positively.
The American diplomat noted that he had the opportunity to work with the Ukrainian leaders, and they demonstrated a commitment to the fight against anti-Semitism. Carr made specific mention of the efforts of the Interior Minister Arsen Avakov and Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, as well as the role of President Volodymyr Zelensky.
However, despite the success of such countries as Ukraine and Poland, anti-Semitism is not uncommon in Europe and around the world. In the United States, after the start of protests in Kenosha and other places, such cases are increasing.
“I have personally visited synagogues that were vandalized in the riots. I made a visit to the synagogue that had despicable anti-Semitic graffiti sprayed across its wall. Windows were smashed in the synagogues in Los Angeles and other cities. We must not close our eyes to this and must call out that anti-Semitism is unacceptable in any form,” the envoy said.
According to Carr, it does not matter what kind of ideological clothing anti-Semitism wears and from whom it comes: the radical left or the extreme right, separate individuals or an outraged crowd – no one is allowed anti-Semitism.
“Racial equality and the fighting police brutality are not only worthy goals, but also near and dear to my heart. I was a law enforcement officer for 13 years. These are very important things. But if a movement adopts anti-Semitic platforms or engages in anti-Semitic behavior, we must stop that. I am absolutely adamant about this,” the US special envoy emphasized.
As previously reported, Kyiv Jewish Forum 2020 was held online on September 8-9. The forum was organized by the Jewish Confederation of Ukraine in partnership with the Jerusalem Post. On the first day of the forum, the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the participants with a welcoming speech. According to the Confederation President Boris Lozhkin, the annual Kyiv Jewish Forum has become a global platform for discussing the most relevant issues of the Jewish community and the whole world.