Chief Rabbi condemns Kyiv rabbi for supporting deputy head of OP in court

Moshe Reuven Asman. Photo: RBC-Ukraine

Chief Rabbi of Ukraine Moshe Reuven Asman has criticized Kyiv rabbi Yonatan Markovich for his attempt to stand surety for former deputy head of the Office of the President Iryna Mudra. Moshe Asman described Markovich's actions in court as his personal initiative and distanced them from the position of the entire Jewish community, reports RBC-Ukraine.

At the court hearing on August 24, Kyiv rabbi Yonatan Markovich expressed his desire and readiness to stand surety for Mudra. According to the Chief Rabbi of Ukraine, the use of religious status in court is inadmissible. "Rabbi Markovich's statement about his readiness to act as a guarantor was his own initiative and does not represent the position of the Jewish community as a whole," Asman emphasized.

He noted that the mention of a clerical rank during high-profile proceedings is perceived by society as an exploitation of the authority of all believers. "I consider such a mixing of roles to be erroneous and categorically do not support it," the Chief Rabbi of Ukraine stated.

Asman also spoke of a wave of antisemitism that has risen in connection with Markovich's decision. He added that the actions of an individual rabbi give no one the right to insult the Jewish people, spread stereotypes, or accuse the entire community. Religious leaders must strengthen public harmony rather than draw communities into judicial controversies, the Chief Rabbi concluded.

On August 25, the High Anti-Corruption Court ordered the former official detained, with the possibility of release on bail set at UAH 20 million. Law enforcement authorities suspect Iryna Mudra of involvement in a criminal scheme to launder illicit funds intended to post bail for former Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko.

As the UOJ reported, a memorial plaque to a Kabbalist rabbi was unveiled at the Kyiv detention center.

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