From National Hero to Jewish Foe: The Tumultuous Tale of Ukraine's Former President

Ukraine's Jewish president is hailed by Ukrainians as a hero for his steadfast resistance (so far) against Putin. Ukraine had long been part of Russia during the entire existence of the Communist bloc. The last president of Ukraine before the famous October Revolution, during which the Bolsheviks came to power, was Symon Petliura. Until today, Ukrainian nationalists regard him as a heroic freedom fighter who did everything he could to resist the Red Army and maintain Ukraine's independence. Ukrainian presidents visit his grave in Paris and lay wreaths around it.

But why is Ukraine's former president buried in Paris?

On May 25, 1926, in the spring of 5686, General Petliura was strolling through the streets of Paris. His elegant uniform was sharply pressed, his boots gleamed, and his chest was adorned with numerous medals. Although he fled Ukraine fearing the Red Army, he had many connections and influence across Western Europe. Suddenly, a young man stood behind him and shouted, "Defend yourself! Scoundrel!" Before Petliura could respond, five bullets were unleashed, and he fell dead on the spot.

The French police arrested the shooter, a Jewish watchmaker named Shalom Schwartzbard. The public was certain that this man who coldly murdered Ukraine's president would soon face the gallows. But that did not happen. The famous Jewish lawyer Henri Torres stood by his side, and after a trial lasting only eight days, Shalom Schwartzbard was acquitted!

Petliura was a vile murderer who, as devoted as he was to the Ukrainian people, harbored deep hatred for the Jews. As Ukraine crumbled under the Russian boot, his soldiers ravaged the land, executing over sixty pogroms against the allegedly 'communist' Jews. During these pogroms, tens of thousands of Jews—including my great-grandmother's grandfather, Rabbi Baruch Shklar—were brutally murdered through shootings, cold weapons, abuse, and torture. Words cannot convey the horrors perpetrated by these wicked individuals against our ancestors.

Nevertheless, in his trial, Petliura predictably claimed he was not guilty nor responsible, like the three wise monkeys: he knew nothing, heard nothing, saw nothing. One defense witness, Chaya Greenberg from the town of Proskuriv, vividly described the murder of her family and the Jews of her village as the attackers shouted, "Long live our father Petliura." The jury was quickly convinced that Petliura knew, heard, saw, and took much pleasure in the slaughter of Jews. Therefore, Shalom Schwartzbard, who avenged the blood of his brothers and sisters, acted rightly and was free of guilt. May all of Hashem's enemies perish.