The Maidan is not a Pogrom

Ukrainians of all backgrounds, ages, and creeds stood throughout the winter in a remarkable demonstration of resistance to Yanokovych's government. And given that I once lived in Kyiv and have written a book about Jews, Ukrainians, Russians and public squares, friends and acquaintances have asked me to help parse the rapidly changing events on Kyiv's Maidan. I attempt to answer these in an article published today in Tablet. I address concerns that the far right might use the chaos in Ukraine as an excuse to target Jews, Muslims, and other national minorities. Some concern would be warranted in any public protest of this scale. However, it is important that the fear of historical Jewish-Ukrainian tensions not undermine a highly legitimate claim made by an overwhelmingly peaceful and multi-ethnic group of Ukrainians.

If you needed evidence that nineteenth century reactionary Konstantin Pobedonostsev is rolling in his grave, watch the Pushkin Klezmer Band perform for Protesters in Kyiv:

       

I am grateful for my friends in Ukraine, who, in the midst of changing the fate of their country, took the time to share their thoughts about the Maidan and ethnicity with me.