Rabbi refutes Lavrov's words that Zelensky is 'disgrace to Jewish people'
Asman with Zelensky at the Presidential Office. Photo: Asman’s Facebook page
The Chief Rabbi of Ukraine, Moshe Reuven Asman, disagreed with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s statement that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is a "disgrace to the Jewish people." Addressing Lavrov on Facebook, he stated:
"Let the Jews decide for themselves who is a hero of the Jewish people and who is a disgrace. This is not for you to determine. You can make decisions in your own country, but we, the Jewish people, will decide for ourselves who is our hero and who is our disgrace."
The rabbi emphasized that Ukraine is "one of the few countries" where anti-Semitism is prosecuted by law.
He also criticized Lavrov’s claim that Zelensky is a Nazi, arguing that the actions of Russia are a closer match to the definition of Nazism. Asman reminded that Russia hosted a Hamas delegation shortly after the attack on Israel.
Asman’s statement was later echoed by the Ukrainian Embassy in Israel.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that Zelensky lit Hanukkah candles with Ukrainian rabbis at the Presidential Office.
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