The Chief Rabbi of Ukraine Criticized Markovich Over the Mudra Case
Chief Rabbi of Ukraine Moshe Reuven Asman stated that the decision by Chief Rabbi of Kyiv Yonatan Markovich to vouch for former Deputy Head of the Presidential Office Iryna Mudra was his personal initiative. He emphasized that this position does not represent the entire Jewish community and that religious authority should not be used in high-profile court cases. At the same time, Asman condemned the anti-Semitic remarks that emerged following Markovich’s decision.
Chief Rabbi of Ukraine Moshe Reuven Asman commented on the decision by Chief Rabbi of Kyiv Yonatan Markovich to act as a guarantor for Irina Mudra. According to Asman, Markovich made this decision on his own. The Chief Rabbi of Ukraine emphasized that it does not represent the position of the Jewish community as a whole. “Rabbi Markovich’s statement regarding his willingness to act as a guarantor was his own initiative and does not represent the position of the Jewish community as a whole,” Asman stated.
He also pointed out that during high-profile court cases, references to religious status can create the impression that the entire community supports a particular position. In Asman’s view, such a conflation of a religious leader’s personal position with that of the entire community is erroneous. “I consider this blurring of roles to be erroneous and categorically do not support it,” emphasized the Chief Rabbi of Ukraine.
Asman Condemned Antisemitic Remarks
At the same time, Moshe Reuven Asman separately responded to the wave of anti-Semitic statements that arose after Markovich’s decision became known. He emphasized that the actions of a specific individual cannot be generalized to the entire Jewish community. According to him, criticism of the rabbi’s decision should focus specifically on his personal stance, not on his background or religion. “No single act by a particular rabbi gives anyone the right to insult the Jewish people, spread anti-Semitic stereotypes, or accuse the entire community,” Asman stated.
He added that replacing criticism with ethnic hatred cannot be justified. “Replacing reasoned criticism with ethnic hatred has nothing to do with justice,” the Chief Rabbi of Ukraine emphasized.
Religious leaders must unite people
Asman also stated that during a full-scale war, it is particularly important for Ukrainian society to prevent internal strife. He believes that religious leaders should help people maintain unity and mutual respect. At the same time, they must not drag entire religious communities into political or legal conflicts because of personal decisions.
“Religious leaders must strengthen unity, support people, and promote social understanding, rather than dragging religious communities into political and legal confrontations,” Asman said. He also emphasized the principle of equality before the law. “The law must be the same for everyone. Responsibility must be personal. There can be no justification for anti-Semitism,” concluded the Chief Rabbi of Ukraine.
What Is Known About the Case of Iryna Mudra
Iryna Mudra, who previously served as deputy head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, has become a defendant in a criminal case. Law enforcement officials suspect her of participating in a scheme related to the laundering of funds which, according to investigators, were obtained illegally. According to the investigation, this money was subsequently intended to be used to post bail for former Energy Minister Herman Galushchenko.
On August 24, Chief Rabbi of Kyiv Yonatan Markovich was present during a court hearing on the case. He stated his willingness to vouch for Mudra. It was precisely this decision that prompted a public reaction from Moshe Reuven Asman. At the same time, it is important to distinguish between the positions of individual religious leaders and those of the entire community. According to Asman, Markovich’s statement does not mean that the Jewish community supports Mudra or her position in the criminal proceedings. Chief Rabbi of Ukraine Moshe Reuven Asman made this clear in a comment provided in response to a request from RBC-Ukraine.
On Tuesday, August 25, the High Anti-Corruption Court remanded Iryna Mudra into custody for 60 days, setting bail at 20 million hryvnias.
Mudra’s defense team called for a critical assessment of the prosecutor’s statements.
The High Anti-Corruption Court Decides on a Pretrial Measure for Iryna Mudra: What Is Known.
“Corruption Must Be Controlled”: Who Is Iryna Mudra?
Iryna Mudra struck a deal with investigators—social media.
Special operation by NABU and SAPO: Searches are underway at the home of Iryna Mudra, deputy head of the Presidential Office
