In the past, in Ukrainian , it was not a good place for Jews to live, or a popular hometown. Persecution accompanied almost every stage of history: from the massacres in the 19th and early 20th centuries, leading to their century-long isolation. The worst page in history appeared in 1941, when the invasion of Hitler caused at least 17,000 Jews to be massacred in the town.
It can be seen that the Jews are in a bad situation. Of course, it is different at the moment.
But now it seems that Ukraine, like other countries, broke the tradition and elected the first president of Jewish descent in Ukraine.
In this Sunday's election, comedian Volodymyr Zelensky defeated the current president, Petro Poroshenko. It can also be said that it is something that everyone hopes for. An actor with no political experience and becoming the highest power of the country seems to be a trend in history. For example, the current president of the United States is also a businessman and has no political experience, but he is still having fun.
This situation caused quite a stir among the locals - especially in the ranks of about 6,000 Jews.
Oleh Vyshnevetsky, head of the local Jewish community group, said that Jews can see a new hope in Zelensky "immediately".
pride of blood
He said they were particularly proud that the new president did not hide his Jewish descent (his father was Jewish) and refuted the Ukrainian nationalist politician Oleh Lyashko (he was the leader of the radical party). Lyashko accused Volodymyr Zelensky of lack of patriotism. Zelensky jokingly responded to threats to “release” his Jewish mother.
"We love how he finds laughter in the tragedy of our country," he said.
DanzeVolodymyr Zelensky's attraction is far beyond the Jewish population.
Vyshnevetsky hopes that Volodymyr Zelensky's election will give the country a chance to accept its past.
"Almost every national hero in the West is basically the executioner of Jewish nation ," he said. "But even Stepan Bandera (the leader of nationalism assassinated in 1959) in western Ukraine would be with Volodymyr Zelensky."
"Maybe his election, which helped to find a happy living environment."
The political environment is mild
for a country that is still associated with anti-Semitism , perhaps surprising - thanks in large part to the unhindered behavior of far-right groups like C14 and Azoof that have some connection to the government, leaving Zelensky's Jewish ancestry not an obvious election issue in the campaign.
The domestic environment is mild
"From the way of publicity activities, it is obvious that Jews are no longer considered negative," said Vyacheslav Likhachev, head of ethnic minority rights who safeguards xenophobia and hate crimes in Ukraine.
The group's anti-Semitism record has decreased significantly over the past five years. Although vandalism still "occur from time to time" - for example, after a series of attacks, the Jewish cemeteries in Uman remained in a lockdown. But luckily, violence has become very rare.
An important study shows that Ukraine has the lowest anti-Semitism level throughout Eastern Europe.
dynamics are positive, and there are data showing that the vast majority of Ukrainians look at Jews with a positive attitude,” he said. “The past conflicts have been largely forgotten. ”
Image Shaping Influence
In addition, Ukrainians seem to be upset about Volodymyr Zelensky’s relationship with the oligarch Ihor Kolomoisky. The businessman, who highlights his Jewish presence more than Volodymyr Zelensky, is a tough and cynical tycoon, has some voters worried about whether Volodymyr Zelensky is affected.
In general, it will become the obvious target of the attack. But Kolomoisky's evil image was influenced to some extent by the important comedy role he played in 2014, reducing the wave of counter-revolution among the pro-Russian factions in the East.
For this reason, many Ukrainians view him more positively than before.
Under the organization of local Jewish community groups, Jewish community organizations across the country are supporters of opposing Russia's support for aggression. They supported the Ukrainian army and supported the Euromaidan revolution, although they did not declare it widely at the time.
These latest history will change the view of many Ukrainians on the Jewish community.
New starting point, new expectations for
Election of a president of Jewish descent in Ukraine is an epoch-making two points. In the 1960s, Jews hid from Ukrainians, but now everything is different.
Barack Obama is the first black president in the United States, but he has also encountered racial discrimination.
Others, such as Ukrainian American-born chief rabbi Yakovdov Brech, also, but they are optimistic.
Ukraine is a "young country" in its early stages of development. This country needs to find a new hero of the era. The emergence of Volodymyr Zelensky may be the best arrangement of God.
At present, Ukraine is in chaos and a mess, under the influence of complex environmental factors, how to choose a route will be a headache. Of course, it is now giving Volodymyr Zelensky a headache. As for what Petro Poroshenko might go home to fish.
Of course, how to make the actor manage a country well, how to make life like a play, and make a country like a comedy beautiful is something that needs Volodymyr Zelensky's consideration and efforts to complete in the next few years.
