- December 31, 2024
- 2:06 pm
- Ukraine
Is the word “anti-Semitism” heard again in Ukraine? Scandal on Channel 24: a military expert crossed the boundaries of the law.
Ukrainian television is at the center of a scandal related to anti-Semitism.
Military expert Roman Svitan during a speech on Channel 24 on December 29, 2024, he began to distribute conspiracy theory about alleged Israeli influence on the military-political decisions of the leadership of Ukraine, allegedly “Israeli mishpucha” (from Hebrew/Yiddish – family, company) does not allow Ukrainians to destroy the “Kremlin” and “rublevka”.
Quote:
“Who are these Abramovichs who forbid our Abramovichs to give such a command to our generals?”
This case is not just an incident.
This is a challenge for Ukraine, which is striving to build a democratic, tolerant society.
What did Roman Svitan say?
The expert allowed himself the following:
“We go around the main points along the tenth road – such a sacred cow with an Israeli touch, with an Israeli passport in his pocket, because they have their Abramovichs and Rotenbergs, and we have ours. The main ones are not even here, the main ones are sitting somewhere in the White House, somewhere there, next to the White House, at least in America.”
This is a classic anti-Semitic technique, writes United Jewish Community of Ukraine (UJCU)disguised as anti-Israel criticism, spreading the false impression that Jews have taken the highest positions in countries around the world and lead other nationalities.
Video (beginning of statements 33:53) – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vz59TfWuTFY&t=2033s
Why is this against the law?
Ukraine has a special law “On preventing and countering anti-Semitism”. Article 2 of this law lists forms of manifestation of anti-Semitism, including:
Such statements violate the law of Ukraine “On preventing and combating anti-Semitism in Ukraine”Article 2 (manifestations of anti-Semitism):
- expression of false information, hateful and embittering statements about persons of Jewish origin;
- public statements associated with the condemnation of persons of Jewish origin as collectively responsible for real or alleged offenses committed by one person or group of persons, regardless of ethnic origin or religion.
Reaction of the United Jewish Community of Ukraine
OJOU condemned the actions of Channel 24 and declared its intention:
- Contact National Council of Ukraine on television and radio broadcasting.
- Complain to Commission on Journalistic Ethics.
- Request that the broadcast recording be deleted.
OJOU comment:
“These statements pose a threat of inciting hatred and undermine interethnic harmony in Ukraine. We call for action to be taken against manifestations of anti-Semitism on television.”
Why is this important for Israel and Ukrainian Jews?
For Israel and the Jewish community around the world, such statements are deeply troubling.
Ukraine and Israel are actively developing partnership, including in the military, cultural and humanitarian spheres.
Antisemitism threatens these relationships. Moreover, it harms Ukraine’s reputation, especially in the eyes of international partners, including Israel and the United States.
What could happen next?
- Punishment for the channel. If the National Rada reveals violations, Channel 24 may be subject to sanctions.
- Apologies. Perhaps the channel will issue an official apology to avoid further stirring up the scandal.
- Tightening control. This case may lead to increased monitoring of speech on air.
Conclusion
This case is not just an incident. This is a challenge for Ukraine, which is striving to build a democratic, tolerant society. United Jewish Community of Ukraine showed an example of a decisive response to violations of the law and public morals.
On the website NAnews – Israel News you can find out more about such situations and the reaction of the authorities.
