Delivering a speech in the Knesset, the Ukrainian President Perto Poroshenko thanked Jews and Jewish organizations in Ukraine for their contribution to the protection of sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine.

The Head of State reminded Jewish civil organizations and Ukrainians of Jewish origin who proved themselves in the course of the Revolution of Dignity and the protection of Ukraine from the aggressor in the east.

The President emphasized that the tragic events of the past and modern history of Ukraine make us raise new generations on the principles of respect to human dignity, tolerance, basic human rights and freedoms. “This is what Ukraine is fighting for today. Now, we can better understand the pain of one another, feel solidarity and express mutual support,” he said.

The Head of State recalled the events of 2013 when Ukrainians demonstrated to the whole world that “one can defeat a powerful repressive machine with a power of spirit and unity of ordinary people in the course of the Revolution of Dignity”. “Great respect and gratitude to the Jewish organizations in Ukraine that supported the Revolution,” Petro Poroshenko noted.

The President thanked for the pro-Ukrainian position of the majority of Ukrainian repatriates in Israel and the Israeli civil society who stood against the aggressive policy of Kremlin towards Ukraine. He added that a large Jewish community remains in the occupied territories in Donbas and Crimea where mass human rights violations are observed. “All those who disagree with the policy of occupation authorities become objects of repression, including national minorities. The Jewish community of Crimea, numbering about 17,000 people, can also be subject to repression,” Petro Poroshenko stressed.

The Head of State recalled the heroism of Jews who defend Ukraine’s independence in the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Also, the President thanked Israel for the assistance in treatment and rehabilitation of our wounded servicemen. “Low bow and gratitude for this. Dozens of Ukrainians had a second chance to live due to your direct assistance,” the Head of State noted.