Public Menorah Toppled in Chernihiv, Ukraine on Final Day of Chanukah

A public menorah set up in the northern Ukrainian city of Chernihiv was found toppled on Monday morning, the eighth day of Chanukah. A handwritten sign containing offensive language targeting the Jewish community was left at the site. Local police have launched an investigation.

The menorah had been placed in a central location following a prolonged process with city authorities, who initially expressed security concerns. Ultimately, permission was granted, and nightly candle-lighting ceremonies were held during the holiday, accompanied by security and attended by members of the local Jewish community.

On the final morning of Chanukah, the menorah was discovered knocked over, with a message left nearby containing coarse anti-Jewish expressions.

Rabbi Yisrael Silverstein, the city’s Chief rabbi and Chabad emissary in Chernihiv, is in ongoing contact with local authorities regarding the incident. He is working in coordination with Rabbi David Regevoy, who led the public candle-lighting events throughout the holiday. The CWA emergency and security service center, is handling the matter with the relevant government bodies.

This is not the first time the city’s historic Jewish community has faced such challenges. Approximately six weeks ago, the community’s phone line received anonymous threats accompanied by disturbing images. Though the case was reported, no official actions were taken at the time.

While the Chernihiv incident has raised concerns, it stands in contrast to the broader picture across Ukraine, where public menorah lightings were held in dozens of cities each evening throughout Chanukah. These events, approved under special crisis protocols, drew thousands of Jewish participants and proceeded without incident.