American Jewish Committee Voices New Concerns Over Russian Anti-Semitism

American Jewish Committee
Wednesday, 14 July 1999

The American Jewish Committee today expressed renewed concern about growing anti-Semitism in Russia, in the wake of the attempted murder of a prominent Russian Jew at the Choral Synagogue in Moscow on Tuesday.

"While the attacker reportedly claims he acted alone, his crime cannot be divorced from the poisonous atmosphere engendered by anti-Semitic groups, and even by several Russian parliamentarians, who may have given him the inspiration to act," said David A. Harris, executive director of the American Jewish Committee.

"We know from recent events in the United States that a lone individual, filled with an extremist hate group's ideology, can cause deadly harm," said Mr. Harris. "But the situation in Russia is far more dangerous because democracy and the protection of minorities are not strong, and political and religious leaders have yet to demonstrate the will to combat such hate."

The American Jewish Committee has been at the forefront of raising awareness about the rise in anti-Semitic activities and incidents in Russia in recent months.

A full-page ad published in The New York Times last month reprinted a letter, initiated by AJC and signed by 99 U.S. Senators, expressing to President Boris Yeltsin their deep concern about rising anti-Semitism in Russia.

"The best antidote to stem the recent surge in anti-Semitism would be consistent unambiguous statements from Russia's political, religious and civil leaders, who could with appropriate action help relegate anti-Semitism to society's margins," said Mr. Harris. "Unfortunately, even in the wake of this week's attempted murder of the director of Moscow's Jewish Arts Center, little has been heard."

For more information, or to contact American Jewish Committee, see their website at: www.ajc.org