“We recommend that every Israeli obey the instructions of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,” Rabbi Moshe Reuven Asman, a Chabad emissary in Kiev, Ukraine, told us this morning (Sunday). He needs help to contact them. For Israelis, he recommends obeying the instructions of the prime minister and the Foreign Ministry, and returning to Israel. “There are many flights departing,” he says.
In addition to caring for Israelis, Rabbi Asman describes that Chabad has organized a kind of campus outside the city of Kiev, which can be reached by those who are afraid and want to evacuate the city. We will help as many Jews as possible everywhere. “
Like the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zalansky, who still calls for not provoking false alarms, Rabbi Asman also says that the media is the one that mainly causes concern. “Kiev is quite calm at the moment. The feeling on the street is calm but we are preparing for any scenario. We reassure everyone, because the foreign media is sowing a very serious panic. At the same time, we have our hands on the pulse and prepare ourselves for any development.” “This morning, we made sure that all Jewish institutions had police reinforcements, so that there would be no provocations. At the end of the day, we are in the month of Adar, and we should be happy.”
Is there a fear that the current tension will increase anti-Semitism?
“I would not say anti-Semitism, but provocations. All sorts of elements who want to add fire to the fire. There are always somehow trying to involve the Jews.” Rabbi Asman himself does not yet intend to evacuate his family. “In the worst case, the last ones to leave will be us.”
In light of the American assessment that Russia may invade Ukraine this week, Israel last night called on its citizens to leave the country. The families of the Israeli diplomats and workers at the embassy are expected to arrive in Israel today. This morning, Foreign Minister Lapid will hold another situation assessment, in order to examine the assistance required for Israelis seeking to return to Israel. For several weeks now, the Foreign Ministry has been asking Israelis staying in Ukraine to register at the embassy. To date, several thousand citrus Israelis have been registered in Ukraine.