Ukrainian minister vows to fight hate

By · May 8, 2008

A Ukraine official in a meeting with the country’s U.S. ambassador vowed to fight anti-Semitism.

Ambassador William Taylor and Dr. Aleksandr Sagan, the head of the State Committee of Ukraine on Nationalities and Religions, met Sunday in Kiev to discuss interethnic and interfaith relations in Ukraine, the importance of interethnic education for children, and countering xenophobia and anti-Semitism.

After Taylor expressed concern about anti-Semitism, xenophobia and racial intolerance, Sagan agreed that state authorities are paying insufficient attention to the issues. Sagan said an agreement with the Ministry of Education will establish classes to promote interethnic tolerance for children in kindergartens, schools and institutions of higher education.

Sagan also said the enactment of his bill offering protection to Ukrainian national and ethnic minorities would bring government protection of ethnic minorities nearer international standards.

He said Torah scrolls in the government’s hands should be returned to the Jewish community of Ukraine, but the law must be changed to elaborate on the responsibilities of the recipient Jewish organizations.