Russian chief rabbi says anti-Semitism level in Russia low, situation better than in Europe

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"We cannot say that there is no anti-Semitism in Russia at all, but it is quite apparent that the situation is fundamentally better than in many European countries. Thus we can estimate the anti-Semitism level in our country as quite low," Lazar said at a meeting with Jean-Christophe Peaucelle, the Counselor for Religious Affairs for French Foreign Ministry.

Everyday anti-Semitism, on the streets, has remained in a varying degree, he said. "But, I believe, in such cases it is the problem of upbringing, of parents, school and community in general sense. On our part, we are trying to be as open as possible and do everything for every person interested in gaining knowledge of life in the Jewish community, and our people to get all the necessary information," he said.

The Russian government makes many efforts for the revival of religious life and return of people to traditional spiritual values, he said. During the past 25 years, over more than 200 Jewish communities have been established in Russia, many cultural and religious centers, synagogues and Jewish educational institutions have been built, the rabbi said.

Peaucelle informed the rabbi about the situation in the French community and noted that departure of a significant number of Jewish people from the country is a warning sign for French society. "In this regard, the experience of the Russian Jewish community in involving youth, implementing a number of significant federal and regional projects and conducting inter-faith and inter-ethnic dialogue is exceedingly interesting," he said.

The chief rabbi said in response that one of the possible reasons for emigration of the French Jews is lack of confidence in safety and called for active fight against sponsors and ideologists of international terrorism.

Russian chief rabbi says anti-Semitism level in Russia low, situation better than in Europe