UKRAINE BOYCOTT? NA, NA, NA ......

Given that traditional Ukrainian anti-Semitism is no longer quiescent, and that since the fall of the Soviet Union violent xenophobic incidents in that region have spiraled out of control, it might be time to cast a jaundiced eye at that part of Eastern Europe.

Anti-Semitism, as everyone no doubt understands, is a fundamental part of the colorful regional culture, informing so much of the attitudes and folklore of the natives. As such, it may be a treasured European heritage which is of great symbolic value - one which many Europeans will passionately defend, especially if they are of the nationalist ilk.

Never-the-less, like so much of the old-world mentality that inspired the tumultuous events of the twentieth century, anti-Semitism is not really in tune with modernity. It has no place in a 'liberal democracy', and reflects no glory on its practitioners; it may be time to both reject traditional Eastern-European cultural mores, and to make a point, also some Eastern-European products.


"Is everybody obliged to love Jews and Israel? If I don't like Jews and Israel, does that make me an anti-Semite?"
---Serhiy Ratushnyak, mayor of the Ukrainian city of Uzhhorod


Source:
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1118424.html


Quote:
Apparently, in the wake of the mayor's rant, Jewish leaders were quick to respond. First into the fray was Rabbi Berel Lazar, chief rabbi of Russia, who announced that he would be visiting Uzhhorod to support the local Jewish community. Rabbi Yaakov Bleich, chief rabbi of Ukraine, also condemned Ratushnyak but in the same breath, he also turned down his rabbinical colleague's offer of support.
End quote.

This blogger would advise that the Jews of Uzhorod simply leave.
Eastern Europe is the realm of death, and there is no part of the Ukraine that is not drenched in the blood of innocent victims. Why stay in a place that serves as the devil's anteroom?

Of course, the same can be said of Russia.

"Plenty of anti-Semites in Russia can use the help of Berel Lazar before he worries about anti-Semitism in Ukraine"
---Rabbi Yaakov Bleich, chief rabbi of Ukraine


Quote:
It is high time for a Jewish boycott of Ukraine. Perhaps not a total boycott, at least not at first, but at the very least some symbolic gestures.
End quote.

[Source: http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1118424.html ]


I will start boycotting Ukrainian goods the moment I find any! What do Ukrainians export?

Really, does anything come out of Kievan Rus other than trafficked human flesh?
I would be most appreciative if readers informed me of Ukrainian merchandise that they cannot live without. Or even Ukrainian items that they might consider buying.........