Moshe Reuven Asman, the Chief Rabbi of Kyiv and Ukraine, in a wide-ranging interview with RBC-Ukraine, commented on the state of the Jewish community in the country, his position on the high-profile court cases, and his work on international advocacy for Ukraine. The spiritual leader, returning from a trip to the US and Canada, emphasized that in Ukraine Jews do not need to hide their nationality or religion, and that the overall level of antisemitic sentiment here is substantially lower than in Western countries.
Antisemitism in Ukraine Is Lower Than in the West
“I returned a week ago from the US and Canada, where there are many Russian narratives and propaganda. I gave many speeches there, and I said: in Ukraine, antisemitism is at a lower level than in Europe or the US, in US universities,” Asman stated. According to him, in some European countries local Jews are sometimes advised not to “emphasize” their nationality, whereas in Ukraine members of the community can freely walk the streets in traditional attire without fearing for their personal safety. The rabbi noted that it is precisely this openness and the absence of any need to mask one's identity that serve as a key indicator of the level of tolerance in society.
Sharp Reaction to Markovich's Initiative in the Mudra Case
Separately, Asman commented on the events surrounding the High Anti-Corruption Court (HACC), when Rabbi Yonatan Markovich expressed his readiness to take on bail for the former head of the President's Office, Iryna Mudra. The Chief Rabbi of Ukraine clearly drew a line between his position as a religious leader and the private initiatives of individual community members. He emphasized that Markovich's statement was an exclusively personal initiative and does not reflect the position of the entire Jewish community. According to Asman, using religious status in high-profile court cases is a mistaken mixing of roles that could harm the reputation of the entire community.
International Advocacy for Ukraine and Work with American Elites
In addition to domestic work, the clergy actively defend the state's interests on the international arena. In the interview, Asman spoke in detail about his work with American elites, the consequences of the war between Israel and Iran for Ukraine, and the organization of a visit to Ukraine by Pastor Mark Burns from the spiritual council of US President Donald Trump. These contacts, according to the rabbi, allow Ukraine's position to be conveyed to key political and religious circles in the United States and strengthen mutual understanding between the countries.
Recognition of Merit to the State
For his active volunteer work and advocacy for Ukraine on the international arena, Moshe Reuven Asman was awarded the Order of Merit, II class. The award recognized the chief rabbi's years-long contribution to strengthening the country's international image and supporting its positions amid the military confrontation. Asman noted that for him, as a religious leader and a citizen of Ukraine, advocating the state's interests is a natural part of his public activity.
