Ukraine’s Zelenskyy invokes Holocaust in plea for support against Russia

Jerusalem, Mar 20 (EFE).- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Sunday invoked the tragedy of the Holocaust in World War II in an appeal to Israel for more support to stop the Russian invasion of his country.

In a speech to the Israeli Parliament, Zelenskyy compared the Russian assault to the so-called “Final Solution” – the Nazi plan to exterminate the Jewish people during WWII.

“The Russians use the terminology of the Nazi party, want to destroy everything. The Nazis called this ‘the Final Solution to the Jewish question,'” Zelenskyy said during his speech to the Knesset.

“And now in Moscow they’re using those words ‘the final solution.’ But now it’s directed against us, against the Ukrainian question,” he added.

Zelenskyy called on Israeli lawmakers to demand that their government take firm actions such as providing Ukraine with military aid or joining the sanction campaign against Russia.

Israel has condemned Russia’s full-scale attack on Ukraine but has not imposed sanctions against Moscow.

“I am sure that you share and feel our pain. Therefore, I cannot explain why at this point we still have to urge countries around the world to help us,” Zelenskyy said, as the war raging in Ukraine has entered its 25th day.

The Ukrainian leader pointed out that the Russian invasion is not a “military operation, as it’s being presented in Moscow.”

“It is an all-out war, illegitimate, intended to destroy our people, our country, our cities, our culture and our children. Everything that makes Ukrainians Ukrainians,” he continued.

Zeleneskyy also urged Israel to provide entry visas to Ukrainian refugees, although at present it only allows those with Jewish ancestry to settle in the country.

He went on to remind the lawmakers that Ukraine made a choice to help save Jews from the Nazis 80 years ago.

“People of Israel, the choice is yours to make, and you must then live with your answer,” he said.

However, Zelenskyy said he had appreciated the mediation efforts attempted by Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, the only world leader who has met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow since the beginning of the war.

EFE sga/smq-bp