Ukraine Jews fearful of leaflet distribution

Jews living in the eastern Ukraine community of Donetsk are fearful of a recent anti-Semitic flyer bearing the official self-proclaimed separatist government seal in addition to the seal of Russia. The leaflet demands all Jews 16 years of age and older register with the separatists, list all of their property including vehicles and pay a special tax.

A pamphlet from the self-described separatist east Ukraine government in Donetsk requires Jews to register and list their possessions or face consequences. (Courtesy Twitter)

Failure to do so, says the document written in Russian, could result in confiscation of their goods, the risk of deportation and a possible loss of citizenship. The tax to be levied is $50 per registrant and is payable by May 3 at the government buildings being occupied by the separatists, according to the flyer.

The Israeli website, Ynet News, posted a translation for the Russian, which reads in part: “ID and passport are required to register your Jewish religion, religious documents of family members, as well as documents establishing the rights to all real estate property that belongs to you, including vehicles.”

The flyers were signed by the so-called “people’s governor,” Denis Pushlin, who acknowledged the document was distributed by his organization, but distanced himself from its content.

The approximately 17,000 Jews who live in Donetsk are unsure who is in charge ever since the Russian-friendly group captured local government buildings and defied the local government. The separatists oppose the current Ukraine government in power, which took over after a recent coup forced the president out of office.

According to witnesses, the leaflet was distributed by three unidentified men wearing ski masks (balaclavas). They reportedly carried the flag of the Russian Federation. Some have speculated the men may have been attempting to provoke a conflict and then to lay blame for the attack on the separatists.

The anti-Semitic pamphlet distributed in front of the local synagogue and on nearby streets reminded many observers of the types of materials distributed by the Nazis when entering a country during World War II.

Both World Jewish Congress and United States officials have decried the flyers. (See related CCJN story here.)

(Editor’s note: This story was compiled from various news reports.)