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Estonia: Information on anti-Semitism in Tartu including attacks on cemeteries on 28 November 1991, 28 June 1992, 10 and 17 July 1992, and the response of the authorities

A report was received on 18 July 1992 that "unidentified persons had overturned 80 grave stones and broken eight." This was the second time in a week that a Jewish cemetery had been vandalized in the Estonian city of Tartu (BBC Summary 22 July 1992). In response, the police started an investigation and organized a meeting with representatives of the Jewish community of Tartu (ibid.).

A May 1992 article from The Jerusalem Post indicates that graves had recently been vandalized in the Jewish cemetery in Tartu (19 May 1992). Following the May 1992 incidents, a Jewish community leader in Tartu stated that "there is growing antisemitism in Estonia" (ibid.). Although not directly spelling out the response of the authorities, the leader stated that two Estonian newspapers had published anti-semit material, one Estonian organization that had worked with the Nazis had been legalized, and Jewish leaders had received death threats (ibid.).

For additional information on anti-semitism, please refer to the attached documents. This response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the DIRB within time constraints. This response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum.

References

BBC Summary of World Broadcasts. 22 July 1992. "Jewish Cemetery Vandalized in Tartu." (NEXIS)

. 19 May 1992. Walter Ruby. "Dangers of the New Nationalism." (NEXIS)

Attachments

BBC Summary of World Broadcasts. 22 July 1992. "Jewish Cemetery Vandalized in Tartu." (NEXIS)

The Jerusalem Post. 21 July 1992. Walter Ruby. "The Jews of Estonia are Feeling the Heat." (NEXIS)

. 19 May 1992. Walter Ruby. "Dangers of the New Nationalism." (NEXIS)

Topics: Anti-Semitism,