VR Speaker asks Israel to honor Sheptytsky as "Righteous among the Nations"

Ruslan Stefanchuk and Michael Brodsky. Photo: rada.gov.ua

Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Ruslan Stefanchuk during a meeting with the Israeli Ambassador to Ukraine Michael Brodsky asked to consider awarding the title "Righteous among the Nations" to the Ukrainians who during the Holocaust saved Jews, reports rada.gov.ua.

"We are talking about Metropolitan (UGCC – Ed.) Andriy Sheptytsky and priest Yemelyan Kovch. This would be regarded as an important step in strengthening friendship between our nations," Ruslan Stefanchuk noted.

The Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine thanked the Israeli delegation for their participation in the commemoration of the Babi Yar tragedy.

The Speaker noted that Ukraine strongly condemns any forms of intolerance and anti-Semitism. The importance of this issue to Ukraine is demonstrated by the adoption of the law "On Preventing and Combating Anti-Semitism in Ukraine", which was signed by the President of Ukraine on October 7, 2021. 

"I hope that this activity will be appreciated by the Israeli side," Ruslan Stefanchuk said.

He also reminded that in 2022 Ukraine will commemorate the 90th anniversary of the Holodomor.

"I would like to personally address the speakers of all countries, the parliaments friendly to us with a proposal to find an opportunity next year to recognize the Holodomor as an act of genocide of the Ukrainian people. If Israel were to follow the example of many countries in the world, it would be a very great and valuable support for us," the Chairman of the Ukrainian Parliament requested.

As reported, the Kyiv City Council is asking Yad Vashem to recognize Sheptytsky as the "Righteous Among the Nations".

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