The Speaker of Canada’s House of Commons, Anthony Rota, has expressed regret after acknowledging Yaroslav Hunka, a former member of a Nazi division in World War II, as a “hero” during Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s parliamentary visit.
Upon this recognition, Hunka received a standing ovation, leading to significant uproar and criticism. The Canadian Jewish organization, CIJA, conveyed their deep concerns about the celebration of someone who was part of a Nazi division implicated in Jewish genocides.
The situation left Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in an awkward position. Though he termed the incident as “deeply embarrassing”, he refrained from suggesting Rota’s resignation. Trudeau reiterated the significance of acknowledging the error and offering apologies.
Anthony Rota, taking responsibility for his actions, emphasized that the recognition was solely his initiative without any prior knowledge shared with parliamentarians or the Ukrainian delegation. In his statement, he specifically extended his apologies to the global Jewish community.
While CIJA recognized and appreciated Rota’s apology, the Conservative opposition leader, Pierre Poilievre, believed Prime Minister Trudeau should also shoulder responsibility and apologize. Trudeau’s office, however, clarified that the decision to recognize Hunka came exclusively from the Speaker’s office.
The event saw Trudeau’s office also refute claims that the Prime Minister had privately met Mr. Hunka.
The incident generated significant discussion in Canada and even reached international ears. Russia’s spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, labeled the act as “outrageous”, highlighting the lack of knowledge among Western countries regarding World War II history.
Historical records show that Mr. Hunka was part of the 14th Waffen-SS Grenadier Division, primarily composed of ethnic Ukrainians. This division, later renamed the First Ukrainian Division, is attributed with accusations of massacring Polish and Jewish civilians, although no tribunal has formally recognized them for committing war crimes.
