Israel Disagrees with Ukraine’s Glorification of Nazi Perpetrators as National Heroes
KIEV – Israel has expressed its disagreement with Ukraine’s decision to glorify the perpetrators of the Holocaust during World War II as national heroes. However, Israel’s Ambassador to Ukraine, Michael Brodsky, stated that this dispute should not pose a threat to Israel’s support for the Ukrainian government.
Senior diplomats discussed this issue on Saturday (17/6/2023) in an interview with Iton TV, a Russian-language Israeli online outlet. Brodsky highlighted the stark difference in perception of historical figures, such as Stepan Bandera, Roman Shukhevich, or Andrey Melnik, between Israel and Ukraine.
Brodsky stated, “Those people support the ideology of Nazism. They want to see a Ukraine without Jews as part of their struggle for independence, and without Poles, communists, and probably many others.”
The ambassador reasoned that Ukraine may aspire to be a national hero against Russia due to its people’s search for national identity. However, Israel does not agree that the perpetrators of the Holocaust deserve the treatment given to them.
“There are Bandera streets in different cities of Ukraine, as in other countries, for example in the US,” Brodsky added.
While Israel disagrees with Ukraine’s glorification of Nazi perpetrators as national heroes, it appears that there is not much that can be done about it. Despite this disagreement, Israel’s support for the Ukrainian government is expected to remain intact.
The dispute between Israel and Ukraine highlights the complex and sensitive nature of historical interpretation and the challenges it poses in international relations.
What are the reasons behind Israel’s disagreement with Ukraine’s decision to honor individuals involved in the Holocaust as national heroes?
KIEV – Israel has expressed its disagreement with Ukraine’s decision to honor individuals who were involved in the Holocaust during World War II as national heroes. Israel’s Ambassador to Ukraine, Michael Brodsky, has stated that these differences in perception of historical figures, such as Stepan Bandera, Roman Shukhevich, or Andrey Melnik, have created a divide between Israel and Ukraine.
Brodsky emphasized that these individuals supported the ideology of Nazism and sought an independent Ukraine without Jews, Poles, communists, and others. While Ukraine may view these individuals as heroes in their struggle for independence and national identity, Israel strongly disagrees with the glorification of those involved in the Holocaust.
The presence of streets named after Bandera in various cities of Ukraine, similar to other countries including the US, is a testament to this disagreement. However, despite the differing interpretation of history, Israel’s support for the Ukrainian government is not expected to be affected.
The disagreement between Israel and Ukraine brings to light the sensitive nature of historical interpretation and the challenges it poses in international relations. Although Israel opposes Ukraine’s glorification of Nazi perpetrators, the situation is unlikely to change at present.
It is disheartening to see Israel and Ukraine at odds over the glorification of Holocaust perpetrators. This issue requires a sensitive and respectful approach, making it crucial for both countries to engage in honest discussions and find common ground. The memory of the victims should be honored, while educating future generations about the horrors and ensuring that history is never repeated.