Chief Rabbi of Russia Calls on Government to Eradicate Incidents of Antisemitism in Russia
Anti-Semitic demonstrations broke out in the regions of the Islamic Republic of Russia over the past days, which developed into the burning of a Jewish center under construction in the city of Nalchik. Incidents of hate were also recorded in the city of Makhachkala, the capital of Dagestan.
A few days ago, the President of Russia invited Chief Rabbi of Russia, Rabbi Berel Lazar, to his office in the Kremlin where they spoke on many topics.
“People here do not take to the streets with demonstrations in favor of the terrorist organizations, because we all know that they are used by the extremists who are everywhere – and even when planning a demonstration that is supposed to be a peaceful protest, in practice it often leads to violence,” Rabbi Lazar said. “It is very important, because our meeting today will send a clear message to society, that we say ‘We are in favor of relations of mutual respect, friendship and cooperation, but we will not be tolerant towards those who are themselves intolerant and declare extremism and call for violence’. Unfortunately, the line between hatred and violence is very thin. The ideology of hatred always leads to violence and terrorism. Thanks to you, we have not encountered state anti-Semitism for many years, and there is no anti-Semitism on the street either, but we have experience from the past. Therefore, our main request to the authorities, federal and local is a constant and uncompromising fight against extremism.”
With the outbreak of the difficult events yesterday and today, Chief Rabbi Lazar Shalita noted that, “We live in very difficult times, and unfortunately, in the last few weeks the difficulties have only increased. Terrorist attacks, conflicts between countries, entire regions are engulfed in violence with no end in sight. Instead of peace, mutual understanding, mutual help for common development, we have tension, hatred, and even atrocities, of which incidents are increasing. Entire cities, and in some places entire countries, fall under the rule of terrorists who commit crimes against humanity.”
“In Russia, by the grace of heaven, the relations between peoples and the ties between cultures are unique. They were built over centuries on principles of mutual respect. I saw this with my own eyes many times, and in particular every time I visited the North Caucasus, I experienced happy feelings when I saw how Muslims and Jews help each other, and invite each other on holidays out of respect and appreciation.”
“But the events of recent days show that this traditional friendship is facing a test of strength. These events did not happen by chance, they were preceded by a passionate propaganda of extremism and terrorism on social networks. It is clear that we cannot really influence what is happening in the Gaza Strip or on the Lebanese border: we can only pray together that peace will finally come. But we can, and even must worry, because the poisonous seeds of extremism and terrorism will not affect, God forbid, traveling from there to here.”
“The federal authorities understand this, and on their part are doing everything to protect the foundations of the existence of our multinational state, and this unique friendship between the peoples of Russia. I have no doubt that the aggressive actions of extremists blinded by hatred in Cherkasy and Benalchik will be severely rejected by the law enforcement authorities”!
At the end, Rabbi Lazar addressed the entire community, saying “We all understand that this problem cannot be solved only through the efforts of the authorities. We – residents of Russia, representatives of different nations, different faiths, different cultures – must now make our contribution. Therefore, today I call on every resident and citizen: everyone must do everything to preserve It is this unique atmosphere of mutual respect and support that makes Russia a good place to live in. If we allow extremists to burn our bridges of friendship now, it will be very difficult to rebuild them later. Let us prove in deeds that our national traditions are traditions of mutual help, the cultures Ours are cultures of peace, and our religions are religions of righteousness and help.”
