Rising anti-Semitism across Ukraine: The glorious menorah placed by the rabbi Mendel Wilhelm, A Chabad emissary in the city of Uzhhorod, was glorified during the days of Hanukkah – and every evening bonfires were held with community leaders and local public figures.
The large menorah is located near the promenade on the Haus River, and receives a blessing from the authorities and a promise from the local police chief that the place will be permanently guarded.
But yesterday (Sunday) Rabbi Wilhelm was surprised to discover that the menorah had disappeared. After a brief search she was found dumped in the river, not far from where she was stationed. It turned out that local anti-Semites broke it and threw it into the river.
“The police promised us that they would set up a guard and in practice this did not happen,” says Rabbi Wilhelm. “We changed it from the water with the help of some friends and policemen who came to the place.”
He added: “The police were supposed to guard her. Need to check why this did not happen. We had no choice but to pull it out of the water. Some symbols that the forces of darkness are trying to harm the spread of light and bringing hearts together. But they will not break us. “
The menorah in the river Uzhhorod, and the governor of Rovna next to the restored menorah
Also a Chabad emissary in Rabbi Rubna Schneur Schneerson He was surprised to find out on Saturday night that unknown individuals had tried to vandalize the large menorah he had placed in the town square. But more than that, he was surprised by the sympathy and the positive media coverage following the incident.
The media extensively covered the holiday of Hanukkah, explained why a menorah is lit, and already on Sunday the lighting aroused huge interest all over the city, when the governor came to attend himself as a sign of solidarity.
The mayor invited the Chabad emissary to his office, where he lit a Hanukkah candle with him.
Rabbi Shneur Schneerson toldCOL: “The desire of the corrupters was to destroy the Jewish symbol, and what they caused is just the opposite: the sanctification of God on an unprecedented scale. The menorah was repaired as early as Saturday evening, and the media covered the event with great solidarity. There were tried publications above and beyond. “
Regarding the rioters, the rabbi says: “They did the deed in secret and in secret, because he does not represent the residents. Of course, such incidents should not be taken lightly – and the police with the responsible bodies should take care that such incidents do not recur. But we focus on light and if a small candle repels darkness then we try to have a lot of light ”.
Similar incidents of corrupting Chabad menorahs have also occurred in Greater Dnipro, and elsewhere.