The Israeli Embassy responded to anti-Semitic statements by Katya Chilly, who was outraged by Hanukkah in the center of Kyiv

The Israeli Embassy has responded to anti-Semitic statements by Ukrainian singer Katya Chilly, who spoke out against the installation of Europe's largest Hanukkah on Kyiv's Independence Square. The country's diplomatic mission expressed concern over the xenophobic incident.

A corresponding message appeared on the Telegram channel of the Israeli Ambassador to Ukraine, Mykhailo Brodskyi. He also expressed gratitude to law enforcement agencies for their quick response to the outrageous statement of the 46-year-old artist.

"The Embassy of Israel in Kyiv expresses concern over anti-Semitic incidents during the Hanukkah celebrations in Ukraine, as well as over manifestations of anti-Semitism on social media. We thank the Ukrainian law enforcement agencies for their quick response and ask them to continue to act decisively against those who incite hatred and violate the law," wrote Mykhailo Brodskyi.

Recently, singer Katya Chilly got into a loud scandal for expressing her opinion on the installation of the attribute of Jewish Christmas – the largest Hanukkah in Europe – on Independence Square in Kyiv. According to the artist, there should be no symbols of "other nations" in the heart of our country.

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

This statement by the celebrity caused a wave of outrage online. In the comments under the post, Katya Chilly was accused of anti-Semitism and noted that representatives of different ethnic groups are fighting for the freedom and independence of our homeland and they all deserve respect. In addition, the singer's followers reminded her that Jesus Christ himself was not Ukrainian.

Nevertheless, despite the large amount of hate, Katya Chilly took to the Internet again and justified her negative attitude to Hanukkah. She noted that one should not be tolerant of "outsiders" because Ukrainians are allegedly not treated accordingly.

"All the tolerance you defend was given to you by the shining star of Ukrainian Christmas and the trident. It's time to protect them. Otherwise, you will forget about this word. I raised the issue of protecting our statehood through symbols. I am glad that now many people know that the Christmas symbols of Ukraine are the didukh and the Christmas caroling star, and the trident is still the national symbol of our country," the singer wrote.

In addition, Katya Chilly named the main "flaw" she sees in Ukrainians, namely the lack of cohesion and cherishing of their native land. According to the artist, our citizens should learn to preserve and value their traditions and identity.

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