Simon Wiesenthal Center Urges Russian President Putin and Ukraine's Acting President Turchynov to Denounce Anti-Semitism on Both Sides of the Ukraine Crisis

Among latest incidents: Synagogue recently targeted by anti-Semitic flyers firebombed on Passover; Ukrainian separatists pledge tocombat "zombie Zionists" in apparent promotional video for new pro-Russian TV channel

The Simon Wiesenthal Center, a leading international Human Rights NGO, is urging both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Acting UkrainianPresident Oleksandr Turchynov to publicly denounce any and all acts of anti-Semitism amidst the continuing crisis between the two countries. The latest incidents include a firebombing of theNikolayev Synagogue in Donetsk, Ukraine during the Passover holiday early last Saturday morning. That synagogue was targeted on Passover Eve with anti-Semitic flyers demanding that Jewishcitizens register with local authorities and that they also register their properties. The flyer recalled Nazi edicts against Jews during the 1930s and 40s. Media sources also report that abizarre video, described as "a powerful blow to the biblical matrix and zombie Zionist" was shown on KPE TV, the new pro-Russian network is based in Slovyansk, a city located 60 miles north ofDonetsk.

"Instead of endless rounds of a blame game as to who is responsible for despicable and sometimes violent acts of anti-Semitism, we urge bothPresidents Putin and Turchynov to publicly denounce any and all manifestations of anti-Semitism, whether from political podiums, the mass media, or violent hate crimes," urged Rabbis Marvin Hierand Abraham Cooper, founder and dean and associate dean of the Center.

The Rabbis added that, "The multi-pronged Ukraine/Russia crisis continues to fester and while Jews have no influence on its outcome, hundredsof thousands of Jewish citizens remain vulnerable to hateful manipulation and horrific scapegoating. Only strong leadership from the top can put an end to these disgusting and dangerousspectacles."

For more information, please contact the Center's Public Relations Department, 310-553-9036, join the Center on Facebook,www.facebook.com/simonwiesenthalcenter, or follow @simonwiesenthal for news updates sent direct to your Twitter page or mobiledevice.

The Simon Wiesenthal Center is one of the largest international Jewish human rights organizations with over 400,000 member families in theUnited States. It is an NGO at international agencies including the United Nations, UNESCO, the OSCE, the OAS, the Council of Europe and the Latin American Parliament (Parlatino).