A former SS member was invited to attend Volodymyr Zelensky’s visit to Ottawa on Friday and received applause. Before associations remember the 98-year-old refugee’s Nazi past.

After the honor comes the apology. During a visit by Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday, Canadian House of Commons Speaker Antony Rota applauded Yaroslav Hunka, a 98-year-old Ukrainian immigrant he introduced himself as “a Ukrainian-Canadian veteran of World War II who fought for Ukrainian independence against the Russians” And “a Ukrainian hero and a Canadian hero”. Issue: The association defending the Jewish community in Canada, the Friends of the Simon Wiesenthal Center (FSWC), stated that this was the case “served in the 14th Waffen Grenadier Division of the SS, a Nazi military unit whose crimes against humanity during the Holocaust are well documented.” On Sunday, the speaker of the Canadian House of Commons had to apologize.

“Friday […] After the speech of the President of Ukraine, I greeted a person in the stands and then learned new information that made me regret doing so.” Rota said in a written statement. He explained that he was the initiator of this initiative as Hunka was from his constituency. “I especially want to sincerely apologize to the Jewish communities across Canada and around the world.” he continued and added “Take sole responsibility for this initiative” and take full responsibility for their actions.

Department that “was actively involved in the genocide of the Jews”

“The fact that a veteran who served in a Nazi military unit was invited to speak in Parliament and received a standing ovation is shocking.” had condemned the friends of the Simon Wiesenthal Center. “We are deeply disturbed and disturbed that a Ukrainian veteran of the infamous 14th Waffen Grenadier Division of the Nazi SS – who actively participated in the genocide of Jews – received a standing ovation from the Canadian Parliament. added in turn on X (ex-Twitter) the Advisory Center for Jewish and Israeli Relations (CIJA). The Jewish communities in Quebec and Canada strongly support Ukraine in its war against Russian aggression. But we cannot remain silent when the crimes committed by Ukrainians during the Holocaust are glossed over.”

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s office denied any involvement in the affair, reaffirmed his independence from the Speaker of the House of Representatives and assured that neither he nor the Ukrainian delegation had been informed of the invitation. But that didn’t stop opposition leader Pierre Poilievre from denouncing a “serious misjudgment”. “Its protocol authority is responsible for organizing and approving all guests and programs for such state visits.” responded the conservative leader.