Zelensky sets a commission to deal with corruption in Uman hampering the construction of the synagogue

Uman, where the grave of Rabbi Nachman is located, is the most important religious center for Bratslav Hasidim. Tens of thousands of Jewish pilgrims come here every year. A few days before Rosh Hashanah, a historic event took place in the city. 

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky with the participation of the Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce (OJCC) established a special commission consisting of four people. The Commission is to protect the interests of the Jewish community. It is also designed to put an end to abuse and corruption in Uman. The Commission is headed by assistant to the President of Ukraine Tygran Yeghizaryan. He personally met with the mayor of Uman and informed him about the establishment of the Commission and the government's plans to radically change the attitude of Jewish religious leaders, businessmen and pilgrims.

This was announced at a press conference in Uman, reported on September 25, by 'Resonance' that cited Lenta.UA. It was reported by the website of Resonance.

The conference was attended by members of the Commission, the delegation of the OJCC  led by founder and CEO Duvi Honig, heads of Jewish communities and government officials.

Duvi Honig noted that the conference took place almost immediately after the speech of US President Donald Trump at the UN summit "Global call for the protection of religious freedom", during which he called on the world community to protect religious freedom and Holy places. The OJCC worked closely with the White House to address the situation in Uman.

The work of the OJCC in Uman began in late summer after it became known about the corruption-related lawlessness in the city, which was clearly manifested in the obstruction of the local authorities to the construction of a synagogue and a community center for 30,000 Jews. The construction plan was approved in advance. However, when Rabbi Yisrael Elhadad, who is responsible for the construction, refused to pay city officials a bribe of $350,000, the Uman Сity Council changed the purpose of the land plot on which the construction of the Jewish memorial complex was supposed to be, and made-up criminal charges were brought against Yisrael.

The Chamber also has evidence of corruption and harassment of other Jewish organizations, including the famous Shul Rabbi Mermelstein, when the municipality banned the use of Shul for Rosh Hashanah and intimidated local residents.

President Zelensky met personally with Mr. Honig in Kyiv. During the meeting, Honig told the President and his entourage about the daunting events in Uman. Honig also discussed the issue with members of the administrations of Trump and Netanyahu.

During the conference, Chairman of the Commission Tygran Yeghizaryan announced that the construction of the synagogue would continue. He noted that the site on which the synagogue was to be built adjoined the site where nearly 30,000 Jews were killed in the Holocaust. And it will immortalize their holy souls.

In turn, Mr. Honig stressed that the establishment of the Commission and the elimination of corruption will ensure the receipt of international investment in Uman and Ukraine as a whole, which will positively affect the region's economy and quality of life.

“On behalf of Jews all over the world, I want to thank President Zelensky, members of the Commission and other Ukrainian leaders for reacting so quickly and decisively to the problems we have voiced,” Mr. Hong said. “The Chamber hopes to continue working together to ensure a safe and corruption-free life in Ukraine.”