Most influemtial Jews in Ukraine

Vladimir Matveyev
2006

A list of most influential people in Ukraine includes more than ten Jewish rich men and rabbi. Some are Ukrainian Jews are proud but others are worried that the list may strengthen anti-Semitic stereotypes.

"In the eyes of public, this can create a wrong impression that Jews in Ukraine are very wealthy, and Jewish community is prospering," said Gilyary Lyapitzky, Jewish activist from Kiev. "But this is a result of talents of Jews who are really influential in Ukraine and other countries."

The list also shows that during last years Ukraine has become a country of a big business and tycoons. They have dominated and had a big influence on Ukrainian politics within the last year. "Business is taking political power into its hands," said JTA Vladimir Malinkovich, famous Ukrainian political expert. But prominent Jewish leaders Josef Zissels disagree: "President Yuschenko tries to make balance of powers and the power of oligarchs becomes not so strong."

This year business people have occupied the main positions of TOP 100.  Among them are: MP Rinat Akhmetov, Ukraine's wealthiest and the most influential man, Ukrainian oligarch and Boss of Shahtyor football club (city of Donetzk), Igor Kolomoysky, 42, joint owner of the Dnepropetrovsk-based industrial enterprise Privat. Igor Kolomoysky moved to 6th spot on the list from 8th the position last year meanwhile Aleksandr Yaroslavsky, honorable president of Ukrsocbank, 46, moved into 69th spot from 46th the position last year.

In 2004-2005 Kolomoysky backed orange parties  and in particular Julia Timoshenko, and experts say that this is one of the most important reasons of the successful development of his business. According to Korrespondent – there is no changes in the position of such Jewish businessman as media mogul  Victor Pinchuk, 45, president of the Interpipe corporation, member of Dnepropetrovsk Jewish               
 community, who is at  the same 12th position. In the 1990s Pinchuk married Olena, daughter of the former president Kuchma. In 2005 he lost his ownership of Krivorozhstal.

Such famous activists of the Jewish Confederation of Ukraine: Brothers Surkis, owners of Dinamo Kiev and media magnates (35th and 73th position), Eduard Shifrin, 46, president of Zaporozhstal and co-chair of the Jewish Confederation of Ukraine (87th),Vladimir Kastelman, 33, president of Fozzi group (96th position), have also preserved their positions.

Yevgeny Chervonenko, 46, former minister of transport and communications, and governor of Zaporozhskaya region, Yuschenko ally, and vice-president of the United Jewish community, moved from 27th position to 89th because Orange have lost their influence and popularity in Ukraine.
 
The TOP 100 most influential people in the country, an annual poll conducted by the editorial staff of the Korrespondent, a leading Ukrainian news magazine, illustrates the dynamics of political positions in Ukraine, showing how some individuals "losing unlimited influence and power, and others, gaining it," reads a statement released by the magazine on August 17.

This year Korrespondent forth annual list of Ukraine's most influential people, a part from businessmen, consists of politicians, cultural figures, religious leaders and athletes. Rating is based on the opinions of 20 experts in different fields of life. Josef Zissels, leader of Vaad of Ukraine, was one of the experts.

Zissels told that not all people whom he recommended were included into the list: "Aleksandr Pashaver, very influential man and Yuschenko's advisor, was not included," said Zissels.

Recently the Polish magazine Wprost weekly has publicized the list of  100 richest people from Central-Eastern Europe. With ten top positions occupied by Russians this list also includes eight Ukrainians. According to Wprost Rinat Akhmetov and Victor Pinchuk have lost $1 billion each this year and yielded the palm to their compatriot Igor Kolomoysky, CEO of Privat group. His private are estimated at $2,8 billion, so, he has been placed 12. This year Victor Pinchuk (1,5 billion of fortune) was placed 27.

Malinkovich agrees with other Jewish experts  and journalists that publication of TOP 100 is rather controversial for the Jewish community: "This list provoces anti-Semites in Ukrainian society but it also illustrates the influence of Jews." Aleksanndr Naiman, Jewish activist and scientist, echoing him: "Ukrainian anti-Semites will use this in their propaganda. At the same time good people will have a more respect to Jews."

After the parliamentary elections and political reform, the influence of many people on the list continues to change. "While the rating last year included just several members of the elite from Donetzk region, this year they form the backbone of the list," Malinkovich said.

But Malinkovich says Jews shouldn't worry because "influential Jews, Jewish tycoons are on the list of different political parties and business groups". Zissels echoing him: "Jews will proud with some fears and MAUP will also use this in its propaganda, but nothing will change drastically."