“Trudeau’s ‘Unforgivable’ Celebration of Nazi Combatant Sparks Outrage

On Saturday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau apologized to the victims of the Holocaust after a Ukrainian veteran who fought with a Nazi unit during World War II was honored in a celebration of Canada’s War of 1812 Centre in Kiev. The ceremony took place on June 12th in the Ukraine capital as part of the federal government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen ties with Ukraine and its diaspora. The event honored 90-year-old Olexander Fedenko, a former Ukrainian military interpreter, who fought with a unit of Ukrainian volunteers under the SS. Despite Fedenko’s advanced age, members of Canada’s diplomatic corps nonetheless saluted him, while Canadian Ambassador to Ukraine Roman Waschuk praised him as a “trusted and brave interpreter for the Canadian military mission in Ukraine.” Fedenko’s history, which included service alongside SS forces in their fight against the Soviet Union, was unknown to the Canadian Embassy at the time. The incident sparked outrage in Canada, with Trudeau and the Ministry of Heritage and Multiculturalism both issuing swift apologies for honoring the veteran without taking into account his background. Trudeau specifically stated that he was “truly sorry” that the Canadian government had overlooked the “information about [Fedenko’s] war history.” In addition to the apology, Trudeau reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to “the defence of human rights for all people” regardless of race, religion or creed. The incident is a stark reminder of the need to exercise caution and take the time to thoroughly vet guests of honor at public ceremonies, so that respect for the victims of the Holocaust — and those that fought against them — can be respected.