Katya Chilly got into a loud scandal over a Jewish symbol in the center of Kyiv: the singer was accused of anti-Semitism

Ukrainian singer Katya Chilly, who was a star of the national scene in the 90s and early 2000s, was accused of anti-Semitism. The fact is that the artist was outraged by the fact that on December 25, the Jewish community set up the largest Hanukkah in Europe on Independence Square in Kyiv and held a candlelight ceremony.

On her Facebook page, the 46-year-old singer posted a message stating that, in her opinion, there should be no symbols of "other nations" in the center of our country. This statement of the celebrity sparked a loud scandal on the network, and Ukrainians reminded the singer that representatives of different ethnic groups are fighting for the freedom and independence of our homeland and they all deserve respect.

"In the center of the Ukrainian state, in the capital of Ukraine, during the war for Ukraine, the symbol of Ukrainian Christmas should be installed. Not other symbols. And not the symbols of other nations. With all tolerance, respect, and honor. For the first time, honor should be paid to our land, our people, and our traditions that protect this state and people," the singer wrote.

This statement provoked a strong reaction from netizens. Since its publication, Katya Chilly's post has received over 2,000 likes and nearly three thousand comments. In most cases, Ukrainians noted that with this post, the singer demonstrated her anti-Semitism and the complete lack of tolerance she spoke about in it.

"I don't understand you. I'm not Jewish, but I'm ashamed of this post from a person who seems to claim to be cultured. And for the comments that this post provoked. All cultures and ethnicities living in Ukraine (except, of course, those with whom we are at war) deserve respect, their place in public space, and enrich our country with their diversity. In Kyiv, Ukraine, there is a place for Hanukkah, for the carolers who walked with the stars yesterday, and for the Muslim month. I'm sorry, I didn't expect such a narrow-mindedness, shortsightedness, and intolerance from you. It's as if the post was written by a Soviet anti-Semite in her 80s, not a person who has spent most of her life in independent Ukraine."

"There is so much narrow-mindedness and xenophobia in these words. Fortunately, Ukrainians do not agree with you and have a place in their hearts, and therefore in the main square, for those cultures that have long surrounded us and with which they peacefully coexist and intersect. I am ashamed of you. And I apologize to those whom your words hurt."

Ukrainian Jews did not stand aside from Katya Chilly's words. They noted that Ukraine is their native country, just as it is for the artist, so despite their nationality, they stood up to defend the country.

"Katya, for us, Ukrainian Jews, Ukraine is our God-given land, just as it is for you. It will have Christmas trees, didukhs, Hanukkahs, Magen David, and crescents with stars. Whether you like it or not. Because Ukraine is a multicultural, modern, secular country."

"When should I, as a non-Christian foreigner, write a letter of resignation from the Ukrainian army so as not to interfere with Ukrainians' defense of their homeland from Russian invaders?"

"There are also Jews among Ukrainians as a political nation. And they are also defending their land here. We must eradicate anti-Semitism in ourselves."

The network users also reminded Katya Chilly that Jesus Christ was not Ukrainian either.

"I'm going to disappoint you a little bit, but Jesus was not Ukrainian by birth. Guess who?"

"I want to ask all the Judophobes in this chat room, do you know what day all Christians in Ukraine will celebrate on January 1? No, not the New Year. If you ask around, you'll find out that it's a big church holiday. It's called the Circumcision of Christ. So keep in mind, Jesus practiced Judaism and celebrated Hanukkah. Live with that now."

However, despite all the negativity, Katya Chilly did not change her position. Responding to one of the comments, she said: "Everything should be united around the state and traditional symbols of this people. Once the statehood of the land that has given shelter to multinationality and multiculturalism is being defended. Because now it is a question of the existence of the center of Ukrainianness."

Moreover, the performer decided to confirm the correctness of her beliefs by stating that when a state wants to take over another, the first thing it does is put its flag and symbol in the center.

Masi Nayyem, a lawyer and veteran of the Russian-Ukrainian war, responded to Katya Chilly's outrageous statement. On his Facebook page, he noted that the citizens of our country are currently suffering not because we have a menorah on Khreshchatyk, but because of the bloody war that Russia has started. However, we are able to defend our independence because "we are open and respect different religions here when we defend the territorial integrity of Ukraine side by side with other believers."

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