Ukrainian Police to Confiscate Torah Scrolls
08:34 Feb 14, '07 / 26 Shevat 5767
(IsraelNN.com) Ukrainian Jewish communities are alleging anti-Semitism after local police were ordered to confiscate 17 Torah scrolls. The Torah scrolls in question were rescued from pograms during the time of the Czar, and rescued again during the Holocaust. The scrolls are considered antiques.
Regional Archives authorities claim that proper care of the scrolls is not being taken. Members of the Jewish community expressed anger at the accusation, calling it a “blood libel.” According to Rabbi Shlomo Wilhelm, the scrolls are locked in a safe and guarded carefully.
Wilhelm claims that representatives from the local authority recently came to see the scrolls. They placed the scrolls on the floor, which in Judaism is considered extremely disrespectful, and began to measure them. According to Wilhelm, the representatives then accused the Jewish community of stealing parts of the scrolls.
Police have warned that if the scrolls are not returned by Wednesday morning, they will be taken by force.