The incident occurred during Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s visit to Canada (Image via Instagram/@justinpjtrudeau)
Canada has come under fire after the Parliament applauded a former Nazi soldier on Friday, September 22, 2023, during Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s visit to Ottawa. Several Jewish advocacy groups slammed the move to honor 98-year-old World War II veteran Yaroslav Hunka, who fought under the First Ukrainian Division.
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The First Ukrainian Division or the Waffen-SS Galicia Division or the SS 14th Waffen Division was a voluntary paramilitary unit under Nazi command.
Zelenskyy was visiting Canada for its support in the ongoing Ukraine-Russia war. Hunka was invited by House of Commons speaker Anthony Rota, who introduced him as "a Ukrainian hero, a Canadian hero," adding that they "thank him for all his service."
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Hunka was seen saluting from the gallery as the parliament erupted into cheers and Zelenskyy raised his fists in recognition during a standing ovation.
Needless to say, netizens were left appalled at Canada's leaders for the incident.
A comment reacting to the news (Image via Twitter/ @AnnetteGurba)
"This is just insanity": Twitterati harshly criticize Canada's move to honor Nazi soldier
As news of a Nazi World War II soldier being applauded by Canada's leaders spread, netizens were quick to express their shock and disappointment. Many took to criticizing Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and asking him to step down. Twitter users from the country also expressed their embarrassment at the move and some even apologized on the parliament's behalf.
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A comment reacting to the news (Image via Twitter/ @PaulEGonzalez3)A comment reacting to the news (Image via Twitter/ @lovemills)A comment reacting to the news (Image via Twitter/ @LeDesruisseaux)A comment reacting to the news (Image via Twitter/ @Sharon081654871)A comment reacting to the news (Image via Twitter/ @michaeljherring)A comment reacting to the news (Image via Twitter/ @John56239641)A comment reacting to the news (Image via Twitter/ @_JustAnotherJ)A comment reacting to the news (Image via Twitter/ @vintage831)A comment reacting to the news (Image via Twitter/ @mickyjay217)A comment reacting to the news (Image via Twitter/ @sgtbigmike)A comment reacting to the news (Image via Twitter/ @Victoria59L, @HildebSam8)A comment reacting to the news (Image via Twitter/ @MatthewJshow)A comment reacting to the news (Image via Twitter/ @ultradereks)A comment reacting to the news (Image via Twitter/ @feyenoordted)A comment reacting to the news (Image via Twitter/ @jayken3535)
House of Commons apologizes for honoring Nazi soldier
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After the strong backlash from the internet and citizens alike, the House of Commons speaker Anthony Rota, who introduced Hunka, apologized for his actions, stating that he was not aware of the soldier's background. He continued:
"I particularly want to extend my deepest apologies to Jewish communities in Canada and around the world. I accept full responsibility for my action."
Trudeau's office also released a statement emphasizing that Rota takes full responsibility and added that neither they nor the Ukrainian delegation received any advance notice about the dedication.
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About the author
Nirali Sheth
Nirali has been a popular culture writer at Sportskeeda for the past 1.5 years, covering celebrity/influencer trends and profile/histories, political news, crime reports, and lifestyle. She completed her Bachelor's in Architecture from University of Mumbai and Masters in Heritage Conservation from University of Southern California. Professionally, Nirali has a strong 7.5-year experience working as an architect, an Assistant Archivist and a Digital Archivist across three companies.
Nirali’s educational qualifications and unique career trajectory put great emphasis on research and writing, which along with her personal interest in popular culture, led her to the current role at Sportskeeda. Her specialties are researching histories, crime stories, and developing general knowledge pieces.
The most crucial step in Nirali’s reporting is rigorous fact-checking, and she relies on information from primary sources only for her news. In the absence of a primary source, Nirali double, and even triple-checks information from multiple sources before presenting them to her readers. Strictly anti-AI, she believes in giving credits wherever necessary.
Nirali’s favorite celebrities are Mark Ruffalo and Dolly Parton, and she admires them for their support of humanity and advocacy for what is right. An avid reader, Nirali can be found nose-deep in a new book when she is away from her keyboard. Nirali also loves to illustrate in her free time.
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