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International Conference on How to Fight Anti-Semitism Held in Kyiv

16.10.2013, 09:36
International Conference on How to Fight Anti-Semitism Held in Kyiv - фото 1
The conference is dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the “Beilis Trial” – a show trial of the Kyivan Jew Mendel Beilis, who was tried for ritual murder on false evidence.

Антисемітизм.jpgAn international conference on problems of anti-Semitism began October 15, in the Fairmont Grand Hotel in Kyiv, the Institute for Religious Freedom (IRF) informs.

The conference is dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the “Beilis Trial” – a show trial of the Kyivan Jew Mendel Beilis, who was tried for ritual murder on false evidence.

In his opening remarks, the event organizer, president of the Ukrainian Jewish Committee Alexander Feldman, said that the Beilis Trial is an important point in the history of anti-Semitism and the history of civil liberties.

“One hundred years ago the civil society that was emerging prevailed over xenophobic outrage. Ordinary Kyiv residents from among the jurors demonstrated wisdom, which many statesmen of the past lacked,” said Feldman.

According to him, the main means of combating anti-Semitism should be fighting ignorance through education and expanding education programs.

Representative of the Ukrainian government Vice Prime Minister Oleksandr Vilkul read greetings from the president of Ukraine and assured the participants that in Ukraine the fight against xenophobia, racism, and anti-Semitism is waged at the level of state policy.

“Ukraine learns from lessons of the past. We remember the events of 100 years ago, but build today and look to the future. Ukraine has been independent for 22 years already. It is a tolerant country, in which forms of racial and religious hatred are not inherent. Today in Ukraine hundreds of nationalities and religion denominations live in peace and harmony, and this is one of the most important achievements of our country,” said the vice prime minister of Ukraine.

Ambassador of Israel to Ukraine Reuven Dinel proposed to develop a concept that will bring anti-Semitism and racial discrimination beyond modern society. He believes that such things should not be legitimate and should not have support from anyone in the public.

In his speech, the first president of Ukraine, Leonid Kravchuk, said: “The Ukrainian government has chosen the right path, trying to establish in the public interethnic and interreligious peace and harmony. We need to truly accept and teach the historical events of the past to prevent repeat offenses of anti-Semitism and ethnic hatred.”