Presidential Revote Poses Difficult Choice for Ukranian Jews

December 24, 2004

Source: Beliefnet.com

Wire Service: AP

http://www.beliefnet.com/story/158/story_15855_1.html

On December 24, 2004 the Associated Press reported, "For many of Ukraine's 100,000 Jews, Sunday's presidential revote poses a difficult choice: a Western-leaning opposition leader with past links to people with anti-Semitic views or a prime minister who favors heavy-handed Soviet-style leadership but appears to offer more stability. Ukraine's Jews have largely kept quiet over whom they support, despite their considerable political and economic influence. The minority group boasts 15 Jewish deputies in the 450-strong parliament, two powerful, politically connected tycoons, and influential community leaders...Ukrainian Jews who support opposition leader Viktor Yushchenko cite not only his pro-democratic views but also concern that that Kremlin-backed prime minister and presidential candidate Viktor Yanukovych could eventually isolate Ukraine and seek partners in the Arab world."