Euroasian Jewish News
Ukrainian-Jewish billionaire’s effigy doused with red paint outside synagogue
18.10.2019, Ukraine An effigy of a Ukrainian-Jewish billionaire covered in red paint was placed at the entrance to a synagogue in Kyiv.
The life-size puppet of Igor Kolomoisky was found Monday at the entrance to the Brodsky Synagogue. The puppet had a portrait of Kolomoisky on its head.
As president of the United Jewish Community of Ukraine, Kolomoisky has poured millions of dollars into Jewish causes in the country. He has also financed nationalist causes and bought equipment for the Ukrainian army in its conflict with Russia.
Those who placed the puppet at the synagogue wore camouflage fatigues and were not identified.
The effigy was placed there on Oct. 14, a national day of commemoration called Defender of Ukraine Day.
Thousands, including far-right nationalists, marched that day in Kyiv and other cities in protests of a planned compromise with Russia on disputed land in the border between the two countries.
Separately, Ukrainian Prime Minister Alexei Goncharuk attended an Oct. 13 concert by the white nationalist band Sokyra Peruna, who are famous for sings praising Nazi Germany.
The Federation of Jewish Communities of Ukraine in a statement called the prime minister’s presence there “unacceptable.”
BY CNAAN LIPHSHIZ
JTA
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