Fourth FJC Russia Congress Concludes in Moscow

MOSCOW, Russia — The Fourth Congress of the Federation of Jewish Communities of Russia has concluded in Moscow, involving leaders from 181 communities. At the opening ceremony, FJC Russia spokesperson Boruch Gorin underlined the organization’s achievements since it was founded ten years ago. “Our challenge here is not only to report on what has been done, but to choose a strategy and path of development for the Jewish community,” he explained.

Chief Rabbi of Russia Berel Lazar noted the changing atmosphere in Russia, where Jews are no longer afraid to express their national identity. In ten years, the number of communities has grown from 60 to 200. “Among them are cities where, for decades, Jews have not gathered to pray. They have established full-fledged communities with schools, Synagogues, newspapers, magazines, and cultural festivals,” noted Chief Rabbi Lazar. “We are grateful to our sponsors and especially to the generous philanthropists Mr. Roman Abramovich, Mr. Lev Leviev, and Messrs. George and Sami Rohr”.

FJC President Lev Leviev commented, “We must not look down in the face of the work that lies ahead of us. On the contrary, we must remember how much has already been done”. He cited the foundation of the ‘Shaarei Tsedek’ Charity Center in Moscow, which provides medical and social assistance to thousands of people, as a case in point. While significant progress has already been made with respect to Jewish education and the struggle against anti-Semitism, both Chief Rabbi Lazar and Lev Leviev noted the continued need for activity in these fields.

On the occasion of the FJC’s ten-year anniversary, participants heard a good number of messages from federal and regional government officials, as well as leaders from numerous other religious and ethnic groups. In addition to a message from Russian President Vladimir Putin, other top officials to applaud the FJC Russia include Moscow Mayor Yuri Luzhkov, First Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, Russian Minister of Regional Development Dmitry Kozak, and Metropolit Kirill of Smolensk and Kaliningrad, who is the head of external relations for the Russian Orthodox Church.

Following the opening ceremony, a plenary session took place, the highlight of which was a presentation of FJC Russia Chairman Alexander Boroda on the organization’s work from 2004 to 2007 and its future prospects. A press conference with FJC leadership followed.