The Speaker of Canadian’s House of Commons, Anthony Rota, has publicly apologized after inadvertently praising Yaroslav Hunka, a 98-year-old World War II veteran who served in a Nazi military unit. The commendation occurred during a parliamentary session attended by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy.
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Background:
The incident unfolded shortly after President Zelenskiy addressed the Canadian parliament, seeking support against the ongoing Russian invasion. Yaroslav Hunka received a standing ovation from lawmakers when Speaker Rota acknowledged him as a war hero from the First Ukrainian Division, unaware of Hunka’s controversial past.
Canadian Speaker’s Apology:
Upon learning more about Hunka’s history, Speaker Rota expressed regret for his recognition of the veteran. He stated, “I have subsequently become aware of more information which causes me to regret my decision to do so.” Rota extended his deepest apologies to Jewish communities globally and accepted full responsibility for his actions.
Reactions and Responses:
The commendation of Hunka stirred outrage among various communities and organizations. The Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center for Holocaust Studies highlighted the brutality of the First Ukrainian Division, also known as the Waffen-SS Galicia Division. Michael Mostyn, the leader of B’nai Brith Canada, deemed the recognition of a former Nazi unit member in parliament as outrageous.
Canada’s house speaker apologises after praising Ukrainian veteran who fought for Nazis | Canada
Government’s Stance:
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s office affirmed Rota’s apology and clarified that neither the prime minister’s office nor the Ukrainian delegation had prior knowledge of the invitation or recognition extended to Hunka. The statement from the office emphasized, “This was the right thing to do.”
Political Repercussions:
Members of parliament across party lines, who had applauded Hunka, expressed concern upon learning about his past. The Conservative party spokesperson, Sebastian Skamski, called for an explanation from Trudeau’s Liberal party regarding the invitation extended to Hunka.
Conclusion:
The incident has sparked a dialogue about the importance of thorough background checks and the implications of recognizing individuals with controversial histories in official capacities. The apology from Speaker Rota and the subsequent reactions underscore the sensitivity surrounding historical events and the responsibility held by public officials in such recognitions. (USnewsSphere.com)[npr]
