A disturbing incident unfolded in Poland’s Sejm building as far-right Polish politician Grzegorz Braun boldly used a fire extinguisher to extinguish Hanukkah candles.
The shocking video captured Braun forcibly taking the extinguisher and approaching the display celebrating the Jewish holiday.
In a brazen act, he activated the extinguisher, covering the floor and onlookers in a cloud of white powder, effectively putting out the candles on a menorah lit for Hanukkah.
Braun’s Provocative Actions:
The footage reveals Braun’s aggressive actions as he not only extinguishes the candles but also sprays the white powder towards shocked bystanders. A female official attempts to intervene, leading to Braun blasting her with the substance.
Despite the chaos, Braun, a pro-Russian member of the Confederation party, proceeds to describe Hanukkah as ‘satanic’ and claims to be restoring ‘normality’ in a statement from the parliamentary podium.
Political Condemnation:
The incident was met with swift condemnation from major political forces, denouncing any tolerance for antisemitic and xenophobic behavior in the Polish parliament.
Szymon Holownia, the speaker of the parliament, labeled the act ‘absolutely scandalous’ and excluded Braun from the day’s proceedings, promising to report him to prosecutors. The parliamentary proceedings were suspended, and the candles were relit after the disruptive incident.
National Response and Prime Minister’s Rebuke:
Newly elected Prime Minister Donald Tusk expressed his dismay, calling the act a disgrace and emphasizing that such incidents should never be repeated.
Tusk, who had just given his inaugural speech, pledged to demand unwavering support for Ukraine from the Western world.
The disruption in parliament by Braun highlighted the challenges of maintaining unity in the political landscape, especially in the face of Russia’s aggression.
Call for Unity Amid Disturbance:
Tusk urged Poland’s political class to unite, emphasizing the critical need for solidarity while Russia engages in a war of aggression.
The disturbance caused by Braun’s actions served as a stark reminder of the importance of political cohesion in the current geopolitical climate.
