Jewish Community Promotes Inter-Ethnic Accord

S. PETERSBURG, Russia — This week in Russia’s northern capital, the City Administration and community groups hosted the public campaign “March Against Hate”. Mark Grubarg, the Chairman of the Jewish community of S. Petersburg, took part in this event – a gathering whose objective is to demonstrate against inter-ethnic and inter-religious hatred. This movement was inspired by the memory of renowned ethnographer Nikolai Girenko, who was brutally murdered by nationalists in 2004.

An estimated 500 persons participated in the procession, which also managed to capture significant media attention. “Such campaigns are important in the formation of civil society. Over the past few years, the inter-religious situation in S. Petersburg has somewhat improved and there can be no doubt that our City Administration has played a role in this,” commented Mark Grubarg. “At the same time, the driving force behind this development has been civic consciousness and solidarity between local residents”.

Apart from the Jewish community and officials from the City Administration, the gathering involved representatives from different ethnic groups and diaspora s residing in the region, as well as leaders from numerous religious organizations. “Such events are capable of turning such situations around and serving as strong positive examples for all citizens,” concluded Mark Grubarg.

The Jewish community of S. Petersburg is a leading member of the Federation of Jewish Communities of Russia.