Ukraine's parliament passed a law Wednesday defining antisemitism and banning it in the country. The bill was approved by 283 votes, pending approval by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to enter into force.
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"The lack of a clear definition of antisemitism in the Ukrainian legislation does not allow for the proper classification of crimes committed on its basis," the lawmakers who authored the bill said.
The law defines antisemitism as hatred of Jews, including attacks on the minority, making false or hateful statements about them, or denying the mass extermination of Ukrainian Jewry during the Holocaust. Damaging buildings and religious institutions also falls under the definition.
As per the new law, victims of antisemitism will be able to claim compensation for moral and material damage.
World Zionist Organization chief Yaakov Hagoel praised the move.
"I commend the Ukrainian parliament on the precedent-setting step. This is an important milestone in the long international struggle" against antisemitism, he said, expressing hope that Zelensky – who is Jewish - will sign the law, making it "a model for parliaments around the world."
Less than 1% of Ukraine's 40 million citizens are Jewish. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the Babi Yar massacre, where over 30,000 Jews were killed over the course of just two days in a ravine outside Kiev.
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