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Ukrainian Church Faces Backlash Over Antisemitic Christmas Pageant

1/27/2026

Summary

Story summary

The St. Mary Protectress Ukrainian Orthodox Church in New Jersey faced backlash over a Christmas pageant featuring Moshko in faux-Hasidic attire and a slur.
The church said it aims to engage in dialogue and educate about its heritage.
After criticism, the church removed related content from Facebook and pledged future changes.
Lev Golinkin criticized the church's response as insufficient.
Other Ukrainian churches in the United States have used antisemitic pageants.

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Story summary

The St. Mary Protectress Ukrainian Orthodox Church in New Jersey faced backlash over a Christmas pageant featuring Moshko in faux-Hasidic attire and a slur.
The church said it aims to engage in dialogue and educate about its heritage.
After criticism, the church removed related content from Facebook and pledged future changes.
Lev Golinkin criticized the church's response as insufficient.
Other Ukrainian churches in the United States have used antisemitic pageants.