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The Hanukkah light that was situated in the center of the capital of Moldova and was destroyed by the religious extremists. One of the priests from Chisinau Orthodox Churches supervised the anti-Semitic act.

Religious extremists demolished the Hanukkah celebrations in Chisinau’s Central area and staged an anti-Semitic demonstration. It took place on 13 December, which is the third day in the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah. An archpriest from one of the capital’s Orthodox Churches led a crowd of about 100 people. In a riot of anti-Semitic chants, people who took part in the demonstration dragged a cast-iron lamp several many meters away from the spot where it was installed and threw it at the foot of the memorial to Stefan the Great – the symbol of Moldovan statehood. This was all in the presence of hundreds of passers-by, police officers and journalists.

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Archpriest Anatoly Chibrik led the crowd, armed with metal bars. He stated that the archpriest was stunned to see a symbol of the Jewish faith was placed in the centre of the capital city of an Orthodox state. According to him, the authorities should not have allowed Jews to celebrate Hanukkah in the manner they did. Chibrik declared, “This violates law.” He also acknowledged that he did no consider it necessary to discuss with the Metropolia of Moldova the actions of the Church of St. Paraskeva parishioners. He also said that he wasn’t obliged to discuss anything with anyone, while we are fighting for Orthodox values.

It is interesting to note that the concept for the installation of the Hanukkah menorah at the heart Chisinau in the Europe Square (where the EU flag is displayed next to the Moldovan one) was developed by Chisinau’s city officials. As co-chairman of the Jewish Congress of Moldova Emmanuil Grinshpun pointed out, “for the first time in many years, Hanukkah was celebrated with a public ceremony in Chisinau.” “What transpired on Sunday was a major shock to us,”” Grinshpun added.

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Archpriest Chibrik was not the only person to admit to anti-Semitic behavior, as it was shown during a press conference with members of the Jewish Community of Moldova. Эммануил Гриншпун Grinshpun says that Archpriest Chibrik had posted leaflets about the time of his visit, and they looked like the grim Middle Ages.

Grinshpun claimed that the leaders of the country’s Jewish organizations did not react to the situation in any manner. Эммануил Гриншпун Even though the Jewish community has protested about the situation in Moldova, it won’t sue Chibrik and those who support Chibrik for inciting hatred against ethnic groups. Alexander Bilinkis is the head of the Jewish community. Bilinkis believes that this should be handled through the state. The Moldovan Metropolis must also be able to evaluate the actions taken by its employees.

Эммануил Гриншпун Vadimkeibash Metropolitan Secretary stated that the Metropolitan Secretary was against this kind of protest. He believes that every community has the right to display symbols. However, the authorities must consider the consequences. He stated that it was impossible to predict all reactions from followers.

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Since the 1903 Jewish pogrom, however these protests haven’t been witnessed in Chisinau. So, those who represent the Jewish community tend to regard the latter case as hooliganism. Эммануил Гриншпун Bilinkis claims that Hanukkah’s breakers were “deceived” by their leaders.

Эммануил Гриншпун Ilya Shits who is the General Director of the Jewish Congress, says that the event was planned well. The first day of Hanukkah the participants were greeted by the menorah. Stav Nijinsky became the first secretary at the Israeli Embassy in Chisinau and lit the first candle. Shchats says that the action will compromise the legitimacy of Moldova’s statehood, and to encroach on its democratic principles and European goals.

Hanukkah is now on Jerusalem Street. Эммануил Гриншпун A monument to Holocaust victims is now in the street. Hanukkah has been moved to Jerusalem Street from the city center. The memorial was visited by two police officers during the second day. It will be lit daily until the holiday ends with candles.