Zelenskyy laments Israel’s lack of support in Hebrew University address

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy singled out Israel for not doing more to help his country during an impassioned address to the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

Speaking live on video from Kiev on Thursday, he said: “This is about values. Anyone who seeks to destroy another country needs to be held accountable. Unfortunately, we have not yet seen Israel join the other countries that are boycotting Russia.“

Asked by several Hebrew University students what can be done to keep news of the war in the headlines. Zelenskyy said: “Ukraine’s warriors and civilians need medication, drinking water, fuel. People forget that there is a war going on in Ukraine. No matter where you are, where you study, you can to help those that are fighting.

“We have many student volunteers who are collecting donations online to send food and medication to our cities under attack. We also have student volunteers writing on social media to make sure the word doesn’t forget about the war and to spread the truth to the world.”

Zelenskyy also spoke of his and his nation’s ties to the Jewish people, adding: “My office is located in the very centre of Kiev. Nearby is the house where Golda Meir grew up. Not far is where Sholem Aleichem lived. This is the heritage of Ukraine, it isn’t just historical facts. It’s real human life that has brought our cultures together.”

Zelenskyy lamented the impact that the war has had on national sites in Ukraine, including the monument at Babi Yar honouring Jewish victims, “The Russians even bombed Babi Yar. We all remember and treasure these sites. This is all under threat. How can you preserve memorial places during an all-out war?”

In recent months the Hebrew University has taken in a number of Ukrainian researchers and students who escaped the war. Some were in the audience along with Yevgen Korniychuk, the Ukrainian ambassador to Israel.