Eighty-five prominent Ukrainian Jews have called on the Israeli government and the Knesset to repeal additional procedures that make it difficult for Ukrainians, including those seeking asylum from hostilities, RBC-Ukraine reported, citing the statement.
Businessman Andriy Adamovskyy, co-president of VAAD of Ukraine Yosyf Zisels, doctor and TV presenter Yevhen Komarovskyy, businessman Harry Korogodskyy, president of the Jewish Confederation of Ukraine Borys Lozhkin, media manager, RBC-Ukraine owner Yosyp Pintus, people's deputy Mykhailo Radutskyy, businessman Andriy Stavnitser, president of FC "Dynamo Kyiv" Ihor Surkis and people's deputy Hryhoriy Surkis, TV presenter Savik Shuster, MP of the VIII convocation Boryslav Bereza, as well as well-known Ukrainian rabbis, businessmen, politicians, cultural and scientific figures signed the appeal.
The signatories thanked Israel for voting at the UN for a resolution in support of Ukraine, public condemnation of Russia's aggression, humanitarian aid, and Prime Minister Naftali Bennett's efforts for a diplomatic settlement.
However, according to the letter, Israel has introduced additional procedures for Ukrainians, making it more challenging to enter the country, even for tourism and business purposes, as well as making quotas for refugees. These measures caused a wave of criticism in Ukrainian society.
"For many years, Israel has been an example of resilience, heroism, and the selfless struggle for its freedom and independence for Ukraine. And today, when the whole Ukraine stood to defend its independence, many Ukrainian citizens address us with wonder and anger regarding the mentioned Israel's measures," said in the letter.
The signatories also reminded Israeli officials of the persecution of Jews during the Holocaust, when many countries rejected entry to Jewish refugees. At the same time, Ukrainians saved Jews, and today there are about 2,700 such Ukrainians who are Righteous among the nations.
"We are convinced that in a war situation, closing the door to Ukrainians, imposing quotas and other restrictions is extremely inhumane," stated prominent Ukrainian Jews, calling on the Israeli government to lift the approved restrictions.