Volga Inform - 07.08.2004

Volga Inform

The Jewish Community Building in Mari El was Again Covered in Swastikas

“I am sure that this was done by skinheads, and the police will again demonstrate their inability to work,” – this was the comment by Vil Khaet, the Head of the Jewish Community of Yoshkar-Ola. He spoke with Regnum Information Agency correspondent about the fact of another act of vandalism against the Jewish Community building.

On 7th of July, at night, swastikas and insulting writings against local Jews appeared on the walls of the Jewish Community Center of Mari capital Yoshkar-Ola. It is very likely not a random act but a planned action because at the same time, some other people were trying to break the windows of the neighboring training center. It was probably done in order to divert attention of the security guard who called the police when she heard the noise. The police patrol that arrived to the place did not find anybody.

According to Vil Solomonovish Khaet, he reported the fact of vandalism to the local police. However, he hardly believes that the vandals will be found because the previous investigation of the similar incidents produced no results. Regnum Information Agency is stating that these kinds of “drawings” have appeared on the walls of the Jewish Community building at least several times a year. Last time, it happened a month ago. The local Office of Internal Affairs and the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic Mari El said to our correspondent that they have not yet received the information about the last act of vandalism against Jewish Community of Yoshkar-Ola.

- Translated by Sonia Kagna, NCSJ Intern