MOSCOW – President Vladimir Putin met with Chief Rabbi of Russia Berel Lazar and Alexander Boroda, President of the Federation of Jewish Communities of Russia, to commemorate International Holocaust Remembrance Day and the anniversary of the liberation of Leningrad.
During the meeting, the Russian President emphasised the deep historical significance of the date, noting that the victims of Nazism included over 1.2 million Soviet and Russian Jews. Putin drew a direct parallel between the Holocaust and the Nazi siege of Leningrad, describing both as “crimes against humanity” aimed at the systematic extermination of non-combatant civilians.
A Focus on Stability and Shared Values
The discussion pivoted from historical remembrance to the current state of inter-ethnic relations in Russia. Putin attributed the country’s stability to a “shared historical and religious culture” that fosters cooperation between different faiths.
“The stability and resilience of Russia depend on cooperation among representatives of different ethnic groups, peoples, and faiths,” Putin stated, promising continued state support for these inter-faith foundations.
Contrasting Russia with the West
Chief Rabbi Berel Lazar praised the current climate in Russia, contrasting it with rising tensions in Western nations. Specifically citing recent anti-Semitic incidents in Bondi, Australia and Manchester, UK, Lazar claimed that Russia has transitioned from the “difficult time” of the 1990s—when synagogues were targets of arson—to a period of mutual respect.
“When I talk with my colleagues in the West, they ask me, ‘How can you sit next to a mufti?'” Lazar recounted. “I reply, ‘We not only sit next to each other but also jointly implement various projects.'”
Alexander Boroda echoed these sentiments, suggesting that Russia’s emphasis on “traditional religious values” regarding family and education should serve as a global model. “All people of sound mind… should look to Russia as an example of how development should proceed,” Boroda said.
| Statistic/Event | Detail |
| Holocaust Victims | Over 1 million Soviet and Russian Jews |
| Concurrent Anniversary | Complete liberation of the Nazi siege of Leningrad |
| Lubavitcher Milestone | 75th anniversary of the Rebbe assuming leadership |
| Key Organizations | Federation of Jewish Communities of Russia |
The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of the “eternal values” shared by the Russian Orthodox Church, Muslim, Jewish, and Buddhist communities, which the leaders identified as the primary defence against modern social “chaos.”
Source: President of Russia