DISINFO: Anti-Semitism in Ukraine is on the rise
SUMMARY
Of particular concern is the growing number of crimes motivated by anti-Semitism and other crimes directed against ethnic minorities. However, it is one thing when the state struggles to prevent this, and another when it indirectly encourages such crimes.
RESPONSE
Recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative about antisemitism in Ukraine. The National Minorities Monitoring Group of Ukraine informs that there have been no acts of anti-Semitic violence in Ukraine and relatively small anti-Semitic vandalism in the last two years. The Group’s monitoring has found that “there is no antisemitic violence in Ukraine and that Ukrainian Jews are not confronted with direct physical danger.” "However, some anti-Semitic vandalism occurs, such as the desecration of graves, synagogues and memorials to victims of the Holocaust. In 2018, there were 12 such cases, which is half of the previous year". In general, the Group concludes that the number of vandalism cases has decreased over recent years. The official report of the Government of Israel published for 2018 confirms these conclusions. The report does not mention any examples of violence against Jews in Ukraine in 2018. It has also underlined the significant decrease in the number of acts of vandalism. The official report also states that some of the cases that were reported in the media 'might have been created artificially to damage the international image of Ukraine.' According to the Pew Research Centre, the level of anti-Semitism in Ukraine is one of the smallest among countries of Central and Eastern Europe. Further debunking by StopFake.