Ukrainian Chief Rabbi Asks Authorities To Remove Unauthorized Cross From Reb Nachmans

Ukraine - The chief rabbi of the Ukraine has asked local authorities to remove and unauthorized crucifix that was placed near the Uman gravesite of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov.

EVREISKIY.kiev.ua Reports that the installation of the crucifix appears to be the work of an unnamed group since no local Christian organizations or authorities have any knowledge of its purpose.

Chief rabbi of the Ukraine, Rabbi Yaakov Dov Bleich, called the placement of the cross a “provocation,” and asked that it be removed since it will prevent thousands of Jewish pilgrims, who will soon be arriving for Rosh Hashana, from praying at the tomb of Rabbi Nachman.

“Ukraine is not a Jewish country and Ukrainian Jews respect Christian symbols like crosses,” said Bleich.

The crucifix mysteriously appeared a few weeks ago covered with graffiti written in Hebrew, portions of which read, “To exact vengeance on the gentiles” and “Stop desecrating the name of God.”