December 6, 2005

The Honorable Viktor Yushchenko

Office of the President

11 Bankova Street

Kiev , Ukraine 01220

Dear Mr. President:

When you met with leaders of American Jewish organizations in New York in September, you were kind enough to refer to the efforts of the American Jewish Committee to encourage graduation of Ukraine from the Jackson-Vanik Amendment.

Indeed, after our productive visit to Kiev last July, we returned to the United States determined to strengthen relations between Ukraine and our nation, as well as to help our fellow citizens understand the important changes at work in your country under your leadership. We were immediately in touch with the United States Congress, and we are proud of the recent decision taken by the Senate to support graduation for Ukraine . We look forward to similar action by the House of Representatives.

It is against this backdrop of involvement and support that we feel compelled to write about an issue that could jeopardize the goodwill generated here in the United States . You are very familiar with the story of MAUP. It came up in our discussions in New York , as it did with your colleagues in Kiev in July. You shared with us your concern that the university, licensed by the state, was openly identified with the vilest anti-Semitic positions, which threaten to infect a whole generation of young people studying at this large institution.

Mr. President, you have demonstrated to your nation and the world that you are an individual of courage, principle, and vision. We have taken note of your recent and welcome public statement condemning the anti-Semitic publications of MAUP. As proven friends of Ukraine , we now urge you to consider what further concrete steps might be taken to address this pressing problem. Otherwise, we fear that it will only serve to tarnish the image of Ukraine as a democratic country committed to fostering a climate of mutual respect and tolerance.

Please accept the expression of our highest esteem.

Respectfully,

David A. Harris

Executive Director