Russians Accuse of Espionage, Deport Chabad Rabbi

Authorities in Russia have ordered the deportation of an Israeli-born Chabad rabbi who has led his congregation in a Siberian city for 13 years. Local news organizations report that the grounds for deportation could be espionage.

From Haaretz:

Rabbi Asher Krichevsky has served as the Chabad shaliach (emissary) of Omsk, in southern Siberia, since 2001. Also chief rabbi of that city, he belongs to a well-known Chabad-affiliated family and has a brother who is also a shaliach in Russia.

While no explanation was given for the deportation, Russian media raised the possibility that Krichevsky is suspected of spying for Israel. This is unlikely, however, due to the fact that Chabad rabbis are under strict instructions not to break any laws in the countries where they serve.

In addition, Krichevsky has been prosecuted recently by local Russian authorities. Last month he was fined and warned when food products past their sell-by date and “unlicensed” kosher wine were found in a kosher grocery operating under his auspices. Accusations of unhygienic food storage have also been used recently by Russian authorities to close down 12 branches of McDonald’s, which for many Russians symbolizes the United States’ cultural influence.

The most obvious reason for Rabbi Krichevsky’s deportation, it seems, is the growing xenophobia and suspicion in Russia toward foreign activists and organizations.

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