Jewish community in Ukraine's Chernihiv rejects antisemitism narrative after menorah incident

The head of the Jewish community of the Ukrainian city of Chernihiv has described the recent incident involving a Hanukkah menorah in the city as a politically motivated provocation rather than an act of random vandalism or antisemitism.

According to the United Jewish Community of Ukraine's post on Telegram, the menorah, which had been installed in central Chernihiv near the city’s drama theatre, was knocked over during the night of December 22, the final day of Hanukkah. 

Oleksandr Chevan, who leads the local Jewish community and serves as a member of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, said the circumstances surrounding the incident indicate it was a deliberate and organised action.

Chevan stressed that the incident should not be viewed as everyday hooliganism or a spontaneous manifestation of antisemitic sentiment. Instead, he said it bears clear political overtones and benefits those seeking to cultivate an image of “antisemitism in Ukraine” within the information space. He emphasised that he assesses the episode specifically through a political lens.

He also noted that the Hanukkah menorah has been installed in central Chernihiv for at least 12 years, during which no similar incidents have been recorded. This year’s menorah lighting, he added, was conducted without public gatherings and without the participation of the Jewish community.

Chevan further said he does not rule out the involvement of Russian-linked handlers, drawing parallels with other acts of sabotage and provocation that have been documented in Ukraine.

By Tamilla Hasanova