Speech to the Knesset: Zelensky calls on Israel for more help

In a speech to the Knesset, Ukrainian President Zelensky strongly criticized the Israeli government. According to Zelensky, indifference kills. Silinsky’s words about the “Final Solution” have infuriated some.

Volodymyr Zelensky said in his speech that he was sure that Israel felt the pain in Ukraine. But then it became clear: Why is Ukraine still waiting for help from Israel when it is already helping other countries? Is it about indifference or political calculations? The Ukrainian president said kill indifference.

Benjamin Hammer
ARD-Studio Tel Aviv

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Israel provides humanitarian aid in Ukraine and is currently setting up its own military hospital there. However, Israel does not supply weapons. This also happens given the sensitive relationship with Russia, which is a military power in Israel’s neighboring country, Syria. Prime Minister Naftali Bennett also wants to mediate between Moscow and Kiev. Israel has not joined the international sanctions against Russia. Silinsky criticized it, too – and praised Israel’s missile defense system in his video address. But it is highly unlikely that Israel will hand this over to Ukraine.

Silinsky angry at statement about ‘final solution’

At one time, the Jewish president of Ukraine angered some members of parliament in Jerusalem. Russia uses Nazi words, said Silinsky, and spoke of a “final solution.” However, this is now directed against Ukraine. An Israeli minister said he admired the Ukrainian president. But the history of the Holocaust cannot be rewritten.

Yad Vashem National Holocaust memorial has become more visible. Although she avoided directly naming the Ukrainian president, she said in a statement: Such irresponsible statements belittle the historical facts of the Holocaust.