October 20, 2005
Anatoly Shevchenko, the leader of the Ukrainian Cossacks, has condemned anti-Semitism and agreed to organize a meeting with Jewish leaders to address the issue. During a meeting in Kiev, Azriel Haikin, one of Ukraine's chief rabbis, and Shevchenko discussed issues of tolerance and understanding between various ethnic groups in Ukraine. Shevchenko also assured the rabbi that Ukrainian Cossacks would make every effort to promote ethnic and religious tolerance in the country. The two leaders also agreed to hold a Jewish-Cossack conference in November to discuss xenophobia and anti-Semitism in Ukraine. The Cossacks, known for the military skills and special military services they rendered to the Russian Empire, have a long history of anti-Jewish violence dating back to the 17 th century.
