Israel Matzav: Moldova: Priest leads group that pulls down Menora

Moldova: Priest leads group that pulls down Menora

In Moldova, a Russian Orthodox priest identified as Fr. Anatoliy Chirbik led a demonstration on Sunday at which a Chanuka menora was pulled down.

Let's go to the videotape.

But perhaps more disturbing is the meaning of some of those Russian words.

The video shows an Orthodox priest, identified by Moldovan media as Fr. Anatoliy Chirbik, leading the Sunday demonstration at Stefan the Great Square and saying, "We are an Orthodox country. Stephan the Great defended our country from all kinds of kikes, and now they come and put their menorah here. This is anarchy."

Police said they were investigating, and that there was no official reaction from Moldova's Orthodox Church, which is part of the Russian Orthodox Church and counts 70 percent of Moldovans as members.

The national government said in a statement that "hatred, intolerance and xenophobia" are unacceptable.

Jewish leader Alexandr Bilinkis called on the Orthodox Church to take a position over the priest's actions.

Change anyone?

Israel Matzav: Moldova: Priest leads group that pulls down Menora