Zhitomir Jewish Community Reacts to Anti-Semitism

Zhitomir, Ukraine – In response to a recent wave of anti-Semitism experienced in Zhitomir and in hope of drawing attention to this growing problem, the city’s Jewish community has sent a letter to a number of agencies, including the Zhitomir Regional Administration, Ministry of Internal Affairs, the state Security Service, the Israel Embassy and various other administrative organs.

The Jewish community of Zhitomir is outraged about the situation that has developed in Zhitomir. This past week, an attempted attack on Rabbi Willhelm was carried out by a group of youth, apparently of an organized nature,“ explains the letter. Several threatening incidents have occurred in this Ukrainian city, including an attempt to physically assault Chief Rabbi of Zhitomir Shlomo Wilhelm. On that occasion, the gang waited for Rabbi Wilhelm to leave the Synagogue’s yard before attacking him. Fortunately, the youth were fought off by the security guard and driver.

In a second incident, numerous unidentified youth tried to break in to the Jewish girls’ dormitories. While community staff prevented them from entering the building, these young thugs screamed anti-Semitic slogans and insults and even tried to punch one of the girls.

The Jewish community has demended that state organs take action to impede the actions of such extremist groups, whose threats may turn to physical action at any time. ”The situation has reached its critical point.