Babruisk dwellers insulted with Lukashenka’s words

The whole world claimed Words of Aliaksandar Lukashenka about Jews “anti-Semitic.” Israel’s Foreign Ministry, US Department of State and Congress, Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, Jewish associations of Europe, Russia and Belarus have spoken against Lukashenka’s commentaries claiming the Belarusian leader’s words, pronounced at a meeting with Russian media on October 12, alarming. What was the reaction of Babruisk dwellers that, according to Lukashenka, lived “in mud”?

Ales Chygir, member of “Za Svabodu” movement:

“I heard people discussing Lukashenka’s words on a trolleybus in Babruisk. A senior man simply said: “That was enough!” But I’m not surprised with this statement. In the very beginning, when Lukashenka just became the president, he praised Hitler. His words that followed: “Tear off their heads, beat them up, destroy them!” In other words, he spoke about annihilation of democratic forces activists. These are the links of one chain.”

Igar Hodzka, Babruisk dweller:

“I’m a senior dweller of Babruisk, and in my mind, Lukashenka has insulted all the people of Babruisk, not just the Jews. Our town is tolerant. I remember, in my childhood we started to celebrate first the Jewish Easter - Pesach (Passover), then the Catholic and Orthodox.”

Anatol Vasiukevich, Babruisk municipal council deputy:

“Actually Babruisk has improved dramatically. Previously there was more mud. To make it nicer, many efforts and funds are needed. Now it has got stable: enthusiasm has grown and more money has come.”

Marat Petlakh, member of the Union of Belarusian Jews:

“Lukashenka said the mud came from the Jews. But the Jewish graves are known to be the neatest. Even though fellow-citizens have left the country, relatives still visit graves and take care of them.”

Viachaslau Svizunou, Babruisk dweller:

“Nearly all the Jews have left the town, which I think is very bad. They were good and devoted people. As for the so-called modern facilities of Babruisk, you should have a look at the town district “Tsagelny.” In autumn it’s impossible to walk there without rubber boots on.”

Taisa Kabanchuk, Babruisk dweller:

“The words of Lukashenka about the Jews could be pronounced by a semi-educated person. Listen, there was a time when Babruisk was a cultural center - due to, first of all, the Jews! And now they have to hear such words?! I have no clue why somebody taking such a high post would say things like that…”

According to the latest census, in Babruisk there live 250 thousand people. Radio Svaboda reminds, 4,000 of them are Jews.