In the Polish parliament, a controversial far-right figure sparked controversy by extinguishing a Hanukkah candelabra with a fire extinguisher during a plenary session. The unidentified MP, a member of the Konfederacja party, disrupted the Jewish community's ceremony, causing a skirmish. Footage of the incident, which was a clear instance of anti-Semitism, was swiftly erased from popular social media platforms, sparking accusations of censorship.
The actions of the MP were widely condemned as criminal, with numerous voices calling it a deplorable display of hate. The speaker of Parliament, Szymon Holownia, was quick to respond, excluding the MP from the session and promising to press charges as long as he held the position. The country's designated new head of government, Donald Tusk, also publicly denounced the MP's actions as a disgrace.
The Hanukkah commemoration celebrates the Jewish tradition of the re-dedication of the second temple in Jerusalem following a revolt against the Greeks in 164 BC and the "miracle of light" of a candle burning for eight days. This year, the festival lasted up until December 15.
In spite of the recent incident in the Polish Parliament, the president reiterated the importance of religious tolerance and announced plans to decorate the building with a Chanukkah chandelier during the holiday season. However, Poland has faced controversy related to anti-Semitism in recent years, such as incidents of vandalism against Jewish properties and memorials. In response, the country's Minister of Justice launched an investigation and vowed to take action against any perpetrators.
Political analysts echo concerns over the rise of right-wing extremism in Europe, arguing that more decisive action is needed to tackle the issue of anti-Semitism and hate speech. For the most recent information, consult reputable sources such as BBC, CNN, or local Polish news outlets.
