UKRAINE – A  flyer ordering Jews in eastern Ukraine to register with pro-Russian forces or face deportation has been branded a fake by religious leaders, including the area’s rabbi.

Pamphlets circulating in Donetsk demanded ‘citizens of Jewish nationality’ over the age of 16 pay $50 to register and be issued special passports ‘marking the confession of faith’. But the flyer, described as ‘grotesque’ by US Secretary of State John Kerry, has now been classed by the leader of the city’s Jewish community as a hoax, aimed at stirring up trouble.
The handouts, a chilling echo of Nazi persecution, were given to Jews leaving a local synagogue by three men in ski masks holding the flag of the Russian Federation, Israeli media reports.
Jews living in the area of the self-declared Donetsk People’s Republic, were ordered to register at a government building operated by pro-Russian forces or face the threat of deportation.
But speaking to reporters, the city’s chief rabbi, Pinchas Vishedski, said: ‘I think it’s someone trying to use the Jewish community in Donetsk as an instrument in this conflict. That’s why we’re upset.’
The Donetsk People’s Republic, under the leadership of Denis Pushilin, has already denied any involvement in the anti-semitic handout.
In an exclusive interview with MailOnline, he said: ‘I strongly deny that this document on registering Jewish people is genuine.
‘I have never written and signed anything like this, nor orders on food coupons, nor taxes for businessmen nor registration for foreign students, all of which have been reported. (read more)