BELARUS NEWS AND ANALYSIS

DATE:

December 12, 2005

Belarus Jewish Community Fears Resurgence of Neo-Nazism

Belapan News Agency

Minsk, 10 December: Representatives of the Jewish community have expressed concern over "growing neo-Nazi tendencies" in Belarusian society.

A statement made by the Union of Belarusian Jewish Associations and Communities says that "the Jewish community is concerned by another anti-Semitic act of defacing memorials to Stalin terror victims". "Memories of defamation of Yama memorial in Minsk by vandals in August this year are still very much alive in our memories and here comes another act of vandalism in Kurapaty which affected the memorials of other denominations," the statement said.

Particularly worrying is the SS graffiti on the memorial. "Responsibility for the act has been claimed by the Slavic Union for Rus, which apparently embodies not only chauvinism, but also neo-Nazism," the statement said.

"All these facts cannot but engender the concern of Belarusian Jews for their future and for the safety of their children and grandchildren. The Jewish community hereby expresses its concern at resurgent neo-Nazi tendencies in society and hopes that this act of vandalism will not escape the notice of state agencies."

Source:

http://www.fsumonitor.com/stories/121205Belarus.shtml