Notes

Moldovan Orthodox Orthodox have desecrated the Jewish symbol
Religious extremists demolished the Hanukkah light that was installed in the centre of the Moldovan capital. A priest from one of the Chisinau Orthodox Churches was the one to lead the anti-Semitic act.
The anti-Semitic rally was held following the destruction by religious extremists of the Hanukkah celebration in Chisinau's central area. The event was held on the 13th of December, a Sunday, the third day of Hanukkah. An archpriest from one of the capital's Orthodox Churches was in charge of a crowd of around 100 people. The crowd chanted anti-Semitic slogans, they pulled a castiron lamp about tens of kilometers away from the place that it was initially erected and then tossed it over the memorial to Stefan The Great, the emblem of Moldovan independence. This all took place in front of hundreds of people, including journalists, officers as well as police officers.

How is the struggle for "orthodox fundamentals "

Anatoly Chibrik, archpriest, took the stage with his metal bars. He said that he was enraged by the significance of a symbol representing the Jewish faith was placed in the middle of the capital city of an Orthodox country. Chibrik believes that authorities shouldn't have permitted Jews to observe Hanukkah in such huge number. "This is a violation of law," Chibrik said. Chibrik also acknowledged that Chibrik did not believe that it was necessary to debate the activities of the parishioners from the Church of St. Paraskeva with the Metropolia of Moldova. He added, "I don't have to discuss anything with anyone when we fight for orthodox principles."

The idea of putting the Hanukkah menorah right in heart of Chisinau's Europe Square, where you will see the EU flag in front of the Moldovan flag, is the city's responsibility and property officials. Emmanuil Grinshpun was co-chairman of Jewish Congress of Moldova. He stated that Hanukkah in Chisinau was celebrated for the first time since many years. Grinshpun said, "What took place on Sunday was a surprise for us."

Beginning of an Criminal Case Is on the Conscience of the State

Archpriest Chibrik is not the first to admit to anti-Semitic behavior and this was revealed in a press conference attended by representatives from the Jewish Community of Moldova. According to Grinshpun just a few months ago, on a stand in the front of St. Paraskevs in Chisinau published leaflets, the tone that was thought to be reminiscent of the dark Middle Ages: it was reported that "Jews murder Christian infants."

Grinshpun claimed that the leaders of the country's Jewish organizations didn't respond to the situation in any way. Even though the Jewish community in Moldova is protesting the events, it will not sue Chibrik or his friends for inciting hate against ethnic minorities. According to the head of the Jewish community Alexander Bilinkis, this should be done by the state, as well as the Moldovan Metropolis should be able to evaluate the conduct of its employees.

Metropolitan Secretary Vadim Keibash stated that he does not approve of this type of protest. He believes that the right to use symbols is the responsibility of every community. But, authorities should be aware of the implications. He said that it is impossible to anticipate all reactions from followers.

A blow to the fundamental values

Since the 1903 Jewish pogrom, there have no "forms protests" in Chisinau. The representatives of the Jewish community regard the former case as hooliganism. According Bilinkis Bilinkis, the people who broke Hanukkah "were misled by their leaders."

But the General Director of the Jewish Congress, Ilya Shats believes that the action was meticulously planned. Its participants were spotted near the menorah on the 1st day of Hanukkah, when, in the presence of a large crowd of people, the first secretary of the Israeli Embassy in Chisinau, Stav Nijinsky, solemnly lit the first candle. According to Shchats the act is aimed at undermining the Moldovan statehood, and is a violation of the democratic principles and European aspirations of the nation.

Hanukkah was moved from the city centre and moved to Jerusalem Street. Here, the memorial for Holocaust victims has been erected. The monument was visited by police on the second day. The Christmas season will be concluded with candles on the tree until the end of the year.
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