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Chief rabbi: Russia getting rid of anti-Semitism
ITAR-TASS
Moscow, 19 November: Anti-Semitism on both the state and grassroots levels is becoming a thing of the past in Russia, Berel Lazar, Russia's chief rabbi, told the 2nd Congress of Russia's Federation of Jewish Communities today.
Jewish communities in Russia are "witnessing miracles" as many Jewish people have preferred to stay in Russia rather than move to Israel of late, Berel Lazar said. He said the number of communities had more than doubled over the past two years.
The congress has gathered more than 400 delegates representing 140 Jewish communities in all parts of the country.
The federation was set up in November 1999 by 66 Jewish organizations. A total of 143 religious communities are members now.
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Israeli Prime Minister Moshe Katsav have sent addresses to the congress.
"The need for all states and constructive social forces to pool efforts in the struggle against terrorism and extremism is more than obvious today. Cases of anti-Semitism must meet with resolute counteraction," Putin said in his address.
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