Rabbis of Kiev in light of riots: "We are afraid "

The Kiev Jewish community fears the riots which erupted in the city.

Rabbi Moshe Astman, Chabad emissary in Kiev, tells Behadrey Haredim about concerns in the community, "We postponed the Hanukkah parties because of the riots, and did not light candles in public places."

The Rabbi of Ukraine, Rabbi Yaakov Dov Bleich, says: "members of the community are staying away from public places. We do not use the subway and are being careful not to leave the house in the evening and night."

On Sunday evening, a candle lighting ceremony was held at the Central Synagogue of Kiev. Due to the riots that took place that day in the city, the Rabbi turned to the police demanding to upgrade the security of the synagogue.

Police did not accede to the request and as a result the rabbi decided to cancel all planned events for Hanukkah, fearing for the safety of the participants.

The riots started this week on Sunday night and continued on Monday, when hundreds of thousands of demonstrators gathered in protest in the main square of Kiev.

The demonstrators are protesting against the decision of President Viktor Yanukovych not to sign an agreement with the EU, due to pressure from Russia.

'בחדרי' גם ברשתות החברתיות - הצטרפו!