Isaac Babel's statue in Odesa may be dismantled under a decolonization law targeting symbols of Russian imperialism. While Ukrainian authorities view it as a threat, many Odesa residents oppose the removal, arguing that Babel's writings celebrate the city's multicultural heritage. The law has sparked cultural tensions in Odesa amidst the ongoing war with Russia, with citizens expressing that removing Babel would eliminate part of the city's identity. The situation reflects a broader effort in Ukraine to redefine its cultural identity in light of Russian aggression.
Much as they oppose Russia's war, they fear that the law will erase Odesa's character.
You can't remove Babel, said Antonina Poletti, 41, the editor of a local news outlet and a sixth-generation Odesan. If you remove him, you remove the soul of the city.
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