Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau responded on Monday to the controversy surrounding the Canadian Parliament’s standing ovation for 92-year-old Ukrainian Waffen-SS veteran Yaroslav Hunka. The incident occurred during a visit by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and was introduced by Speaker Anthony Rota as an act of honoring Hunka’s service. This gesture, however, drew condemnation from various Jewish and Holocaust education organizations, emphasizing Hunka’s involvement in a Nazi military unit responsible for heinous crimes during World War II.
Trudeau addressed the matter in a statement, expressing deep concern over the incident. He acknowledged the Speaker’s admission of mistake and subsequent apology, labeling the episode as profoundly embarrassing for both the Canadian Parliament and the nation as a whole. Trudeau also highlighted the significance of the event taking place on Yom Kippur, emphasizing the need for collective resistance against Russian propaganda and misinformation. He emphasized continued unwavering support for Ukraine in the face of Russia’s unlawful aggression, particularly in light of recent measures taken to bolster that stance.
Speaker Rota offered his own apology in the wake of condemnation from organizations such as the Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center, the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, and B’nai Brith Canada. These groups vehemently criticized the parliamentary display, emphasizing the historical significance and sensitivity surrounding Holocaust-related issues. The Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center called for an apology to Holocaust survivors and veterans who fought against the Nazis, expressing deep concern over the applause given to a member of the Waffen-SS, a Nazi military unit associated with atrocities.
The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs echoed the sentiment, reaffirming support for Ukraine’s struggle against Russian aggression while urging against the whitewashing of crimes committed during the Holocaust. The incident has not only ignited public outrage but also reignited conversations about the need for vigilance in commemorating history and preventing its distortion, especially in the face of rising antisemitism worldwide.