Zelensky: Israel will have to ‘live with’ not providing arms to Ukraine, sanctioning Russia

Zelensky invokes the Russian missile attack that struck near the Babyn Yar Holocaust memorial in Ukraine’s capital Kyiv —  “You know that there’s a memorial to the victims of the Holocaust and a Jewish cemetery there” — and says missiles have targeted Uman, “where tens of thousands of Israelis come each year to visit the grave of Rabbi Nachman.”

“What will remain of Ukraine’s cities after this war?”

He then appeals to Israeli lawmakers for assistance.

“I’m sure you feel our pain, but can you explain why we’re still waiting… for your help… when other countries are giving help?” Why isn’t Israeli help, “or even entry permits,” forthcoming?

He asks: “What is it? Indifference? Political calculation? Mediation without choosing sides?”

“I’ll leave you to provide the answers to these questions, but I want to point out that indifference kills. Calculations can be wrong. You can mediate between countries, but not between good and evil.”

He questions specifically why Israel has not provided weapons to Ukraine nor imposed sanctions on Russia. He notes that Israel’s Iron Dome rocket defense system is the best — apparently referring to Israel’s unwillingness to supply it to Ukraine, as Zelensky has previously requested.

“You know how to defend your interests and help Ukraine. To defend Ukrainians. To protect the Jews of Ukraine,” he says. “We can ask many times why we’re not getting weapons from you. Why Israel hasn’t imposed serious sanctions on Russia?”

“You need to provide answers to these questions and live with them.

“Ukrainians made their choice 80 years ago. We saved Jews and that’s why there are righteous Gentiles among us.”

“People of Israel, you too now have a choice,” he concludes.

“Thank you. Thank you for everything.”