Tensions in Israel-Russia relations have increased in recent months following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and many in Israel ascribe the demand by the Russian Ministry of Justice to stop the activities of the Jewish Agency to these tensions. This is a superficial explanation that does not consider the deep trends underway in Russia in recent years.
The first trend is intolerance toward foreign entities operating in Russian territory, which stems from Russia's increasing distance from the West, reflected in laws that limit foreign organizations and impinge on their activities. The Russian authorities started closing down foreign organizations already a decade ago. The official reason for their closure is violation of Russian law, when in practice it is a move to limit the work by foreign organizations that promote values of Western democracy.
The second trend is the rise of antisemitism in Russia. The phenomenon of antisemitism is not new, and the Jews have suffered from it in all of Russia’s years and incarnations – from the Tsarist empire to the Soviet Union. As elsewhere in the world, antisemitism intensifies in times of crisis, and the clearly undiplomatic statements by the Russian Foreign Minister, such as "the greatest antisemites are themselves Jews" and "Hitler had Jewish blood," point to this phenomenon.
The third trend is an inadequate Israeli response to Russia’s signals over the years regarding its dissatisfaction with the Jewish Agency's activities, which began in the late 2000s. Russia has made it difficult for the Jewish Agency to operate and imposed various restrictions on it. Nonetheless, the Jewish Agency was unable to adapt to the hostile environment and respond actively to change the situation.
The first two trends are expected to intensify in the near future. Therefore, Israel must change its ways of operating. This is not the last crisis between Israel and Russia, and Israel must prepare for coming crises, especially in light of the shrinking room to maneuver.
Tensions in Israel-Russia relations have increased in recent months following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and many in Israel ascribe the demand by the Russian Ministry of Justice to stop the activities of the Jewish Agency to these tensions. This is a superficial explanation that does not consider the deep trends underway in Russia in recent years.
The first trend is intolerance toward foreign entities operating in Russian territory, which stems from Russia's increasing distance from the West, reflected in laws that limit foreign organizations and impinge on their activities. The Russian authorities started closing down foreign organizations already a decade ago. The official reason for their closure is violation of Russian law, when in practice it is a move to limit the work by foreign organizations that promote values of Western democracy.
The second trend is the rise of antisemitism in Russia. The phenomenon of antisemitism is not new, and the Jews have suffered from it in all of Russia’s years and incarnations – from the Tsarist empire to the Soviet Union. As elsewhere in the world, antisemitism intensifies in times of crisis, and the clearly undiplomatic statements by the Russian Foreign Minister, such as "the greatest antisemites are themselves Jews" and "Hitler had Jewish blood," point to this phenomenon.
The third trend is an inadequate Israeli response to Russia’s signals over the years regarding its dissatisfaction with the Jewish Agency's activities, which began in the late 2000s. Russia has made it difficult for the Jewish Agency to operate and imposed various restrictions on it. Nonetheless, the Jewish Agency was unable to adapt to the hostile environment and respond actively to change the situation.
The first two trends are expected to intensify in the near future. Therefore, Israel must change its ways of operating. This is not the last crisis between Israel and Russia, and Israel must prepare for coming crises, especially in light of the shrinking room to maneuver.