NCSJ - 08.22.2007

NCSJ Condemns Anti-Semitic Attacks in Zhitomir

PRESS RELEASE

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- NCSJ condemns the rash of anti-Semitic attacks this summer in Zhitomir, a historic center of Jewish life in Ukraine.

Most recently, on August 16th, a male perpetrator forcibly entered a synagogue during services, smashed a window inside the building, and fled. No suspects have been identified or arrested in connection with the crime.

In other incidents this summer in Zhitomir, a Chabad rabbi and his wife were beaten by two men on the street. On a different occasion, a rabbi was attacked by a large gang of men chanting anti-Semitic slogans.

“Jews in Zhitomir feel that they are in danger,” said Chief Rabbi of Ukraine Azrael Chaikin writing in an open letter to Ukrainian officials, including the President, Prime Minister, Chief Prosecutor and national security services.

“We urge the national authorities in Ukraine to work with regional and local governments immediately to investigate these violent, anti-Semitic crimes, and to apprehend the perpetrators,” said NCSJ Chairman Ed Robin. “Authorities must take additional steps to ensure the safety and security of its Jewish citizens in Zhitomir.”

NCSJ: Advocates on Behalf of Jews in Russia, Ukraine, the Baltic States & Eurasia, founded in 1971, represents the organized American Jewish community in monitoring and advocating on behalf of the estimated 1.5 million Jews living in the 15 successor states of the former Soviet Union.

News
JTA	Aug. 22		Ukraine Rabbi Blames State for Anti-Semitic Attacks
JTA	Aug. 21		Another anti-Semitic Attack in Zhitomir
Chabad	Aug.  8		Zhitomir Again the Site of Violence
JTA	Jul. 11		Attack on Ukrainian Rabbi