"Anyone but the Orthodox": DESS congratulates Jews on Purim holiday

Ukraine’s State Service for Ethnic Policy and Freedom of Conscience (DESS) has congratulated the country’s Jewish community on the holiday of Purim. In its message, the agency emphasized “the relevance of the ancient history of Purim for the present, calling for faith in the truth and the power of the human spirit in the face of threats.” This is reported by the DESS website.

As emphasized in the greeting, Purim is not just an ancient story, but a living reminder of how ordinary people find the strength not to break in the face of a great threat. The text of the greeting emphasizes:“All these years we have been holding on thanks to the same simple human faith in the victory of truth.” This message emphasizes that evil has no final power where people support each other and preserve their dignity.

In her address, DESS also touched upon the topic of fatigue and the high price of every day, calling to remember that history is always on the side of those who defend their home.“Today, everyone who remains true to themselves and their loved ones repeats the choice of the Purim heroes in their own way,” the agency said, expressing a wish that the holiday would fill hearts with hope and homes with joy.

Earlier, the State Service of Ukraine for Ethnic Policy and Freedom of Conscience (DESS) officially congratulated Ukrainian Muslims on the onset of the holy month of Ramadan, emphasizing their unwavering faith and resilience in the face of military trials. The agency expressed its deep hope for the soonest possible peace, when prayers can be freely offered in every mosque in the country.

At the same time, the DESS decided not to congratulate Orthodox Christians, who represent the majority of Ukraine’s population, on the beginning of Lent, which this year began on February 22.