COMMENTARY: Ukrainian Government Was Wrong in Destroying Historic Synagogue

The government of Ukraine this week demolished a 16th century synagogue.

While governments demolish buildings every day, what makes this demolition unusual is that the Ukrainian government acted illegally, because both Ukrainian and international laws had been passed to preserve this synagogue as a historic site.

The Golden Rose Synagogue -- which had been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1998 -- was torn down in order to make room to build a hotel in the city of Lviv.

It is hard to believe that the government could not have found another site in Lviv on which to build this hotel.

In fact, one cannot help but wonder if the Ukrainian government intentionally targeted the Golden Rose Synagogue for destruction, because of its prejudice against Jews.

Although the demolition of this synagogue is now "water over the dam," it would behoove the residents of Lviv -- especially its Jewish citizens -- to scrutinize this situation. Moreover, a large fine on the Ukrainian government by UNESCO may be in order.

This situation still remains an enigma: Does a government have a right to destroy one of its buildings that it has agreed by international law to preserve because of its historical significance?

Trying to answer this question can be mind-boggling.