A public Menorah erected in Chernihiv, a city in northern Ukraine that frequently endures attacks, was toppled this morning by unidentified perpetrators. The incident occurred on Monday, Zos Chanukah, the final day of the holiday. Beside the fallen Menorah, a sign was found reading “This is not our culture, go away… Jews” written in explicit and profane language.

The Menorah was installed only after a lengthy and complex engagement with local authorities. Officials had initially raised security concerns and various objections. Permission was eventually granted, and throughout the holiday public lighting ceremonies were held at the site accompanied by security and attended by the local Jewish community.

However, on the very last day of the festival, the Menorah was knocked down. A hate letter containing crude expressions and derogatory slurs against Jews was left in its place.

The city’s Shliach, Rabbi Yisroel Silverstein, is in continuous contact with local government officials following the incident. He is working alongside Rabbi David Regvoy who led the lighting ceremonies on the ground throughout Hanukkah. The Community Security and Emergency Center of Ukraine (CWA) is managing the response to this serious incident with the authorities.

This is not the first time in recent weeks that the ancient Jewish community in the city has faced threats. Approximately a month and a half ago, the community received anonymous text messages demanding money. The messages included photos of a man holding a knife, waving banknotes, and wearing a Yarmulke.

In that message, the sender wrote that “G-d has all the money” and demanded a specific sum be transferred to an attached phone number while urging the recipient to “read Psalms.” Although the messages were forwarded to the police, no significant steps were taken at the time.

While authorities in Chernihiv have not yet released details regarding suspects or motives, the Jewish community fears this marks a worrying escalation. Simultaneously, public lightings were held daily in cities across Ukraine without irregular incidents. These events received special permits due to the ongoing war, with thousands of Jews participating every evening.