- December 18, 2025
- 3:58 am
- Ukraine
In 1939, according to the census, 65,452 Jews lived in Crimea, of which more than 7 thousand were Crimeans. According to historical estimates, about 40 thousand Jews and Crimeans became victims of the Nazis in Crimea. After the Nazis were expelled from Crimea, only 499 Jews and Crimeans who lived here before the war remained alive.
On December 11, Ukraine celebrates the Day of Remembrance of the Jews and Krymchaks of Crimea, exterminated during the years of Nazi occupation.
This date is important not only for preserving the memory of the tragic pages of history, but also as a reminder of the treachery, manipulation and betrayal that Russia exhibits in the modern context.
In 2004, the Supreme Council of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea (Ukraine), in honor of the victims of Nazism, proclaimed December 11 as the Day of Remembrance of Jews and Crimeans who died during the Second World War.
Let us recall that on July 1, 2021, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine adopted Law No. 1616-IX “On Indigenous Peoples of Ukraine”. The law specifies that The indigenous peoples of Ukraine, which formed on the territory of the Crimean Peninsula, are the Crimean Tatars, Karaites, Krymchaks. On July 21 of the same year, this law was signed by Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky.
The history of the tragedy: Jews and Krymchaks of Crimea under the yoke of Nazism
In 1939, according to the census, 65,452 Jews lived in Crimea, of which more than 7 thousand were Crimeans. Krymchaks are a separate ethnolinguistic community of the Jewish population, whose representatives speak the Crimean Tatar language and are one of the indigenous peoples of Crimea.
The Nazis destroyed about 80% of the Krymchaks, and the destruction of the older generation deprived the community of its cultural heritage, because it preserved traditions, language and culture.
According to historical estimates, about 40 thousand Jews and Crimeans became victims of the Nazis in Crimea. After the Nazis were expelled from Crimea, only 499 Jews and Crimeans who lived here before the war remained alive.
Righteous Among the Nations
Despite the horrors of the war, 68 residents of Crimea were awarded the title of Righteous Among the Nations for saving Jews and Crimeans. Their feat is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, humanity can prevail.
Karaites and their unique fate
The Karaites are another indigenous people of Crimea who, although they have religious ties to Judaism, escaped genocide. This was made possible thanks to their efforts to prove, that they are Karaites, not Jews.
The Nazis' rise to power in Germany and the introduction of anti-Jewish legislation prompted the German Karaite community, represented by eighteen former officers of the army of General Peter Wrangel, to apply to the Ministry of the Interior of the Third Reich to not recognize them as Jews. On January 5, 1939, the Reich Genealogical Research Agency accepted that Karaites do not belong to the Jewish religious community. During World War II, the Karaites, as a rule, were not persecuted by the Nazi authorities in the occupied territories.
After the attack on the USSR, the issue of Karaites was again discussed in German departments. The reason for this was a request sent to the Main Directorate of Reich Security (RSHA) from the commander of Einsatzgruppe “D” of the SD security police, which was preparing for the destruction of the Crimean Jewish community, about what policy should be implemented regarding the Karaites of Crimea. Berlin sent an explanation that the Karaites should not be destroyed. The issue of the Karaites in the occupied part of the USSR was discussed later, both in the RSHA and in the Ministry of the Occupied Eastern Territories.
Interesting fact:
Karaites practice a unique form of Judaism, rejecting the Talmud and basing themselves solely on the Tanakh.
| People | Number before the war | Victims of Nazism (%) | Current population in Ukraine |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jews | 65,452 | 40% | about 1,000 |
| Krymchaks | 7,000 | 80% | about 500 |
| Karaites | 1,200 | minimum | 671 (in Crimea) |
Russia: from manipulation in the past to betrayal in the present
Throughout its history, Russia has skillfully used tragedies and conflicts to its advantage.
- Distortion of history:
Russian propaganda sometimes rejects the role of Jews and Crimeans as indigenous peoples, downplaying the significance of their tragedies.
- Modern politics in Crimea:
Since the annexation of Crimea in 2014, Russia has not recognized the rights of indigenous peoples to autonomy. Ukraine's law on indigenous peoples has angered the Kremlin, further highlighting Russia's desire to suppress the identity of small peoples.
- Multi-vector manipulations:
As during the Second World War, Russia today is playing on several fronts at once, posing as a peacemaker, but in reality pursuing only its geopolitical interests.
Lessons for Israel and Ukraine
This story should serve as a warning to Israel and Ukraine about the need to cooperate and confront common threats.
What does this tragedy teach Israel?
- Don't trust Russia:
As history has shown, Russia easily betrays its “alliances” for the sake of strategic gain.
- Focus on autonomy:
It is important for Israel to rely on its own strengths to protect its interests, as well as strengthen its alliance with trusted partners such as the United States and the EU.
- Memory as a unification tool:
Joint preservation of the memory of the victims of Nazism is an important bridge between the Jewish and Ukrainian peoples.
Why is it important to remember?
The Day of Remembrance of Crimean Jews and Krymchaks reminds us of the terrible pages of history that must not be forgotten. This is not only an act of respect for the victims, but also an important reminder of how quickly deceit and manipulation can lead to tragedy.
On the website NAnews – Israel News we tell how the unity of Israel and Ukraine, based on mutual understanding and common values, can confront the challenges of the modern world.
The memory of the past is our duty to the future. Only through joint efforts can we protect the rights of peoples, prevent new tragedies and fight for a peaceful future.
Leave a comment on Telegram – channel NAnews ↓ — Israel News
