While Israeli diplomatic officials are accustomed to addressing reports of anti-Semitism against Israelis abroad, Deputy Foreign Minister Ze’ev Elkin was somewhat taken by surprise by this latest development. MK (Ra’am-Ta’al) Dr. Ahmed Tibi reported to Elkin that Israeli Arab students studying in the Ukraine are being attacked by skinheads. He is calling on the government to take action to assist them.

In his letter to Elkin, Tibi explains he has received numerous complaints from Israeli Arabs that they are being targeted by skinheads in the Ukraine amid shouts of “Get out, Ukraine for Ukrainians”.

Tibi explains that there are about 300 students studying in the Ukraine and local police are simply not getting the job done. He is calling on the State of Israel to assist as for the past two weeks, the situation has deteriorated to the point the students remain locked in their apartments whenever they are not in school. They are too afraid to be out and about. In a Knesset address he spoke of Arab student that were attacked in Odessa, stating in a condemnatory tone “If they were Jews the news would cover it in prime time”.

Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein announced he contacted the local police chief who promised senior commanders in Odessa will personally be addressing the matter.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)