Reviving old traditions - Priest leads mob in smashing menorah in Moldova

Regrettably, anti-Semitism is a solid part of tradition in the areas of Russia that used to be the Jewish pale of settlement, and outbreaks of anti-Semitic violence and pogroms, particularly around Christmas and Easter time, are a part of the tradition.

 

 

'Priest led attacks on Moldova menorah'

 

Dec. 14, 2009
Associated Press , THE JERUSALEM POST
Dozens of people led by an Orthodox priest smashed a menorah in Moldova's capital, using hammers and iron bars to remove the candelabra during Hanukka, officials said Monday.

 

The 1.5 meter(5-foot)-tall ceremonial candelabrum was retrieved, reinstalled and is now under police guard.

 

Police said they were investigating, but there was no official reaction from Moldova's Orthodox Church, which is part of the Russian Orthodox Church and counts 70 percent of Moldovans as members.

 

The national government said in a statement that "hatred, intolerance and xenophobia" are unacceptable.

 

Jewish leader Alexandr Bilinkis called on the Orthodox Church to take a position over the priest's actions.

 

The Jewish community was thriving before World War II but there are now estimated to be just 12,000 Jews in the former Soviet Republic. Twenty years ago there were 66,000 Jews. Many emigrated to Israel.