Fact Check: Is Zelinksy Jewish?

Fact Check: Is Zelensky Jewish?

What We Know

Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the current President of Ukraine, was born to Jewish parents on January 25, 1978, in Kryvyi Rih, Ukraine. His father, Oleksandr Zelenskyy, is a professor and computer scientist, while his mother, Rymma Zelenska, is a retired engineer (Wikipedia). Zelenskyy's family background is significant; his grandfather, Semyon Zelenskyy, served in the Red Army during World War II and lost family members in the Holocaust (Wikipedia). In March 2022, Zelenskyy mentioned that his great-grandparents were killed during a massacre by German troops (Wikipedia).

Zelenskyy has publicly acknowledged his Jewish heritage and has not shied away from discussing it, especially in the context of rising antisemitism in Ukraine and around the world (The Jewish Chronicle).

Analysis

The claim that Volodymyr Zelenskyy is Jewish is supported by multiple reputable sources. His biography on the official website of the President of Ukraine confirms his Jewish heritage (Official Biography). Additionally, the Wikipedia entry on Zelenskyy explicitly states that he was born to Jewish parents and provides details about his family's history during the Holocaust (Wikipedia).

The Jewish Chronicle also highlights that Zelenskyy does not hide his Jewish identity, which aligns with his public statements and actions (The Jewish Chronicle). This is further corroborated by various news articles that discuss his background and the significance of his Jewish identity in the context of his presidency and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine (BBC, Britannica).

In terms of source reliability, the official biography is a primary source, while Wikipedia and established news organizations like the BBC and The Jewish Chronicle provide secondary verification. These sources are generally considered reliable, although Wikipedia should be cross-referenced due to its open-edit nature.

Conclusion

Verdict: True
Volodymyr Zelenskyy is indeed Jewish, as confirmed by multiple reliable sources, including his official biography and reputable news outlets. His acknowledgment of his heritage and the historical context surrounding his family further solidify this claim.