- September 16, 2024
- 1:38 pm
- Israel
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Israel September 16, 2024 published a somewhat strange warning before Rosh Hashanah, calling on Israelis arriving in Ukraine, among other things, “Minimize displays of Israeli and Jewish symbols“This move has caused considerable confusion and questions about its appropriateness.
The main thrust of the warning is that, despite the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, Israelis are advised to avoid displays of their national and religious identity, such as wearing Israeli and Jewish symbols. The Israeli Foreign Ministry supports the call by the Israeli National Security Council (NSC), which issued a travel warning urging Israelis not to travel to Ukraine amid the current instability and security threats.
The security situation in Ukraine remains tense. Ongoing bombing and rocket attacks pose a real threat to human life. The NSC advises Israelis to avoid travel to Ukraine and, if travel is necessary, to minimize displays of Israeli and Jewish identity so as not to attract unnecessary attention.
In addition, Israelis with additional citizenship, whether Ukrainian or Russian, may be denied exit from Ukraine or Moldova and may be subject to military service in accordance with local laws. In light of the “War of Iron Swords” that erupted after Russia's attack on Ukraine, it is recommended to minimize visits to crowded places and be especially attentive to safety.
The warning also notes the need to avoid routes through Transnistria, as the ability to provide assistance to Israeli citizens in the region is limited. For those planning a trip to Uman, it is important to remember that the passport must be valid for at least six months after the planned departure from Ukraine. The import of prohibited substances, such as cannabis and narcotics, as well as items that can be considered weapons, is strictly limited. Moldova also prohibits the import of animal products.
However, such recommendations raise questions. Why are Israelis advised to hide their identity in a country that actively supports Israel and where anti-Semitism is absent? The Ukrainian nation demonstrates its solidarity with Israel in its fight against Russian aggression and is open to the Jewish community.
In a situation where Israel's support for Ukraine is obvious and the Jewish community in Ukraine feels protected and supported, instructions to minimize displays of Israeli and Jewish identity may seem unnecessary and even counterproductive.
This creates the impression that the Israeli leadership does not fully understand the real situation and the difficulty of implementing its recommendations, which in turn could lead to additional difficulties for Israelis in Ukraine.
