A public menorah erected in the city of Chernigov, a city in northern Ukraine that suffers frequent attacks, was toppled this morning (Monday) - "This is Hanukkah" - by anti-Semites.
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Next to the menorah is a sign that reads: "This is not our culture, go away... Jews" - in crude and explicit language.
The menorah was erected only after lengthy negotiations with local authorities, who raised security concerns and various objections. Approval was finally granted, and during the days of Hanukkah, public lightings were held at the site, accompanied by security and with the participation of the Jewish community.
Chabad emissary in the city, Rabbi Israel Silverstein, is in constant contact with local authorities following the event, along with emissary Rabbi David Regboy, who led the lightings in the area during the Hanukkah holiday.
The Emergency and Security Center of Ukraine (CWA) is handling the serious incident with the authorities.
This is not the first time in recent times that the city's oldest Jewish community has faced threats. About a month and a half ago, messages were received on the community phone from an anonymous person demanding money, and attaching photos in which he was seen holding a knife, waving bills, and wearing a kippah.
In the message, he wrote that "God has all the money," and demanded that a certain amount be transferred to a phone number he included, while urging "to read the Psalms.".
The reports were forwarded to the police, but no real action was taken.
Authorities in Chernigov have not yet released details about suspects or a motive, but the Jewish community fears that this is a worrying escalation.
At the same time, public bonfires were held every day in all Ukrainian cities, without any unusual incidents. The bonfires received special permits due to the war situation, and were attended by thousands of Jews every evening.
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