President Clinton Praises AJC Vigilance on Russia, Ukraine

American Jewish Committee
Friday, 11 August 2000

President Clinton has praised the American Jewish Committee for "promoting tolerance and religious freedom in Russia and Ukraine."

In a two-page letter sent to AJC President Bruce M. Ramer and Executive Director David A. Harris, the president thanked the American Jewish Committee for sharing, prior to his recent trip to Moscow and Kiev, concerns about anti-Semitism in Russia and the restitution of Jewish communal property in Ukraine.

"The American Jewish Committee's efforts and vigilance are critically important to promoting tolerance and religious freedom in Russia and Ukraine," President Clinton wrote in his letter to Messrs. Harris and Ramer. "Your concerns and suggestions on these matters were helpful to preparation for my visits to Moscow and Kiev."

Mr. Harris, who has testified before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on anti-Semitism in Russia, has cautioned that the threat of anti-Semitism and Jewish "scapegoating" in Russia's fragile democracy is very real and must be closely monitored. In addition, AJC's publication, Russian Jewish Elites and anti-Semitism, is a comprehensive report on the resurgence of anti-Semitism in Russia.

President Clinton told the AJC leaders that in his private discussions with President Putin he stressed the critical importance of the Russian government's support for democratic principles, human rights and economic reform.

"I believe President Putin clearly understands that these issues, including religious freedom and inter-ethnic tolerance, will have a direct impact on Russia's standing in the international community and our ability to support Russia's international integration," President Clinton wrote.

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