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

Kiev Jewish community, fearing riots which erupted in the city.

Rabbi Moshe Astman, Chabad emissary in Kiev, tells the media, the concerns in the community: "Chanukah parties rejected because of the riots, and we didn’t light candles in public places."

Rabbi of Ukraine, Rabbi Yaakov Dov Bleich, says: "members of the community kept away from public places, they keep away from the subway and are being careful not to leave the house in the evening and night."

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

Police did not respond to the request following which the rabbi decided to cancel all planned events for Chanukah, fearing for the safety of the participants.

The riots started the 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 the agreement with the EU due to pressure from Russia.

'בחדרי' גם ברשתות החברתיות - הצטרפו!