Press Release - 01.15.99

Testimony of Mark B. Levin, Executive Director,
National Conference on Soviet Jewry

Before the

U.S. Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe

 

INTRODUCTION

Mr. Chairman, I commend you and the Helsinki Commission for holding this important and timely hearing on human rights in Russia today. The testimony of the National Conference on Soviet Jewry (NCSJ) will focus on the recent anti-Semitic statements espoused by Communist Party officials in Russia. This sustained rhetoric has created a tense atmosphere and growing fear of anti-Semitism in an already precarious environment. The situation requires a sustained response: a strong voice in support of democracy and civil freedoms, and staunch opposition to those opposed to minority rights and freedoms. This is a large task that requires the collective efforts of the U.S. government and human rights organizations. Additionally, the Russian Jewish Congress has asked to associate itself with my testimony.

The NCSJ has served as the voice of the organized American Jewish community on issues of Soviet Jewry for the past 27 years. Comprised of nearly 50 national organizations and over 300 local federations, community councils and committees nationwide, the NCSJ mobilizes the resources and energies of millions of U.S. citizens on behalf of the Jews of the former Soviet Union. The NCSJ welcomes the opportunity to join other human rights organizations that will testify to the deteriorating societal conditions and mounting fears of minorities in Russia today.

The NCSJ works actively with the National Security Council, Department of State and the Helsinki Commission in fulfilling its mandate to secure the rights of Jews living in the former Soviet Union. We continue to support U.S. efforts to aid this region and believe that an active foreign policy is one of the best antidotes to anti-Semitic rhetoric. The NCSJ supports the U.S. Administration and Congressional actions of the last two months in condemning the Communist Party’s attempt to rekindle anti-Semitism. In particular, NCSJ is grateful for the strong message sent by Vice President Al Gore and Secretary of State Madeleine Albright in their recent meetings with Prime Minister Primakov and Foreign Minister Ivanov. It is imperative that U.S. policy continues its engagement in working with and supporting pro-democracy forces in Russia and elsewhere, and to counter negative messages of ethnic hatred, such as those adopted by the Communist Party of Russia. The NCSJ also looks forward to working with newly created under the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998.

Anti-Semitism has a deep-seated history in Russia. In Tsarist times, a "Pale of Settlement" created a boundary, restricting where Jews could live, while pogroms—mass riots that killed thousands of Jews—prevailed throughout the Russian empire. In the Soviet era, anti-Semitism was state policy, and its firmly-planted roots have allowed post-Soviet anti-Semitism to reappear, as the restraints on the Communist system were lifted. In the last few years, individual acts from synagogue bombings, cemetery desecration and attacks on individuals have occurred. And it is commonly known that in times of economic and political turmoil in Russia, Jews have traditionally become scapegoats.

In recent months, anti-Semitism has become a political tool for numerous members of the Communist leadership. Essentially, the legislative branch of the Russian government has become a vehicle to espouse anti-Semitism. Should the tensions their rhetoric is creating erupt into mass outright violence, Jews might be the first victims, but they would not be the last. We must defend the rights of all minorities in Russia, and make these views clearly known during this time of economic chaos and political uncertainty.

An independent poll taken in October in Moscow by the All-Russian Center for the Study of Public Opinion revealed that many Russians continue to stereotype Jews. Of 1,509 respondents, 52% responded negatively to Jewish social-political organizations and parties operating in Russia, and 64% responded negatively to a Jew becoming president of Russia. Asked whether a record should be kept of Jews holding leading positions in Russia and whether there should be a quota, 34% responded yes to both. When asked whether many Jews hold posts in the leadership’s and government’s inner circles, 41% agreed, 23% of whom were not pleased about it. And, 29% of respondents did not believe General Makashov should be indicted for his "remarks about Jews." In addition, when asked whether nationality should be a factor when appointing someone to a key government post, 53% responded yes. The results of this survey indicate that during troubled economic and political times Russians return to negative stereotypes about Jews and power. It also sends a signal that public messages of anti-Semitism—such as those espoused by elected officials—have the potential to penetrate deeply into the psyche of the Russian population.

BACKGROUND

Political anti-Semitism is a growing problem in the former Soviet Union, particularly in Russia. Today, in Russia, neo-Nazis, skinheads, and fascist ideologues are increasingly committing violence against Jews and other ethnic minorities, while spreading anti-Semitic propaganda. In 1998, anti-Semitic incidents included the beating of two rabbis, the bombing of the Marina Roscha Synagogue for the second time in two years, neo-Nazi marches in central Moscow and in front of the Choral Synagogue, and the desecration of two Jewish cemeteries.

The recent political assassination of Duma member Galina Staravoitova, an ardent advocate of human rights, underscores the political chaos and rampant, unchecked corruption raging through Russia today. Equally shocking are the continuing anti-Semitic outbursts of Communist Duma Members Albert Makashov, Victor Ilyukhin and most recently, Communist Party Leader Gennady Zyuganov. In November 1998, the Duma voted down a censure vote on Albert Makashov, demonstrating its failure to prosecute officials who incite ethnic hatred. Shortly before her death, Staravoitova had spoken out against Makashov and his anti-Semitic rhetoric. During Staravoitova’s funeral in St. Petersburg, the nationalist, anti-Semitic group The Black Hundreds, marched in front of the Parliament in Moscow in support of Makashov.

In December 1998, President Yeltsin requested a statement from Communist Party Leader Gennady Zyuganov regarding his party’s position on anti-Semitism. Zyuganov subsequently sent a letter to the Justice Ministry and the national security chief, containing harsh anti-Semitic references reminiscent of anti-Semitic views in the Soviet era. In fact, his statement in the letter that Jews should either emigrate, assimilate or live as Jews pledging sole allegiance to Russia echoes a statement made by Tsar Nicholas II 100 years ago that one-third of Jews should be killed, one-third should emigrate, and the last third convert to Orthodoxy. The letter also states, "Zionism has actually shown itself to be one of the strains of theory and practice of the most aggressive imperialist circles striving for world domination. In this respect it is related to fascism." Not only has Zyuganov failed to condemn the anti-Semitic rhetoric of his colleagues in the Duma, but also he has made his own hateful views clear, speaking on behalf of the entire Communist Party.

Duma Member General Albert Makashov has become infamous in recent months for his anti-Semitic outbursts. Makashov publicly blames Jews for the country’s economic problems, and advocates a reinstatement of the Pale of Settlement. The newspaper "Zavtra," printed an editorial by Makashov in which he said that a Yid is "a bloodsucker feeding on the misfortunes of other people. They drink the blood of the indigenous peoples of the state; they are destroying industry and agriculture." He recently led a chant at a mass rally, "Death to the Yids!" as demonstrators cheered. At another rally and repeatedly shown on Russian television, Makashov angrily shouted "I will round up all the Yids and send them to the next world!" But Communists in the Duma refuse to officially censure him nor isolate him from the Party, and Makashov has found supporters among Russia’s nationalists.

Another Communist Duma Member using anti-Semitism as a political strategy is the head of the Duma’s security committee, Victor Ilyukhin. He asserted at a parliamentary session in December that Jews were committing genocide against the Russian people. Ilyukhin complained that there are too many Jews in President Yeltsin’s inner circle and called for ethnic quotas in government posts.

In the southern city of Krasnodar, the anti-Semitic rhetoric of Governor Nikolai Kondratenko has reverberated for years. On television, at youth forums, and at mass rallies, Kondratenko charges that Zionists brutally oppress ethnic Russians, and blames Jews for the political and economic problems that plague Russia. "Today we warn that dirty cosmopolitan brotherhood: You belong in Israel or America," Kondratenko said at a rally. He has turned the patriotism on which he campaigned into ultra-nationalism, declaring that ethnic Russians are the only ethnic group who belongs in the region. Kondratenko has just won re-election, and the anti-Semitic rhetoric has reached a new level. In December, residents of the Kuban region of Krasnodar found leaflets in their mailboxes with the message, "Help save your dear, flourishing Kuban from the damned Jews-Yids! Smash their apartments, set their homes on fire! They have no place on Kuban territory…Anyone hiding the damned Yids will be marked for destruction the same way. The Yids will be destroyed. Victory will be ours!"

Economic conditions in Russia have deteriorated drastically in the past year. A fluctuating ruble, inflated consumer prices, and rampant unpaid wages and pensions plague Russian citizens. The chaotic economic conditions, coupled with an unstable political situation, make the future vastly uncertain and have prompted Russians to look for someone to blame—a traditional choice in Russia has been the Jews.

CONCLUSION

Anti-Semitism remains a serious threat in Russia today. Totalitarian philosophies, such as those cited above, are not concerned with human rights, and have negative views toward minority groups. Meanwhile, weak democratic structures exist in the former Soviet Union, allowing the unchecked freedom to propagate ethnic hatred and violence. The Soviet Jewry movement has made great achievements over the past three decades. Now is not the time to let a reactionary voice override these accomplishments. Now IS the time for Russia’s leadership to exhibit a greater resolve in addressing this issue.

It is critical that the Russian government understand the importance of their commitment to human rights and the rule of law, and that they adhere to that commitment. It is critical that Russia develop the necessary infrastructure to support economic development, and guarantees law enforcement and the protection of civil rights of all its citizens. It is critical to advocate the prosecution of anyone, from common citizen to government official, who propagates ethnic hatred. This is the time to send a strong message to Russia, denouncing the growing anti-Semitism and urge these officials to take concrete action to eradicate anti-Semitism.

The situation also requires continued U.S. government leadership. U.S. leaders must emphasize to Russia’s leadership the continued transition toward a democratic and pluralistic society in Russia and the development of an appropriate infrastructure to support economic development, law enforcement and minority rights. Crucial to protecting the development toward democracy is a strong effort to address the economic difficulties in Russia and remain actively engaged in foreign policy efforts so that democracy and a market-oriented economy can flourish. The U.S. must signal to Russia that we stand by a strong commitment to human rights and we are ready to assist them in every way possible in building the foundations of democracy.

It is also imperative that human rights organizations develop educational initiatives that foster pluralism and tolerance and support for human rights and democracy. Some Western models for combating racism and ethnic hatred may be adapted to Russian communities as well. Such programs can encourage multi-cultural understanding and comprise a long-range strategy toward the eradication of anti-Semitism and ethnic hatred in Russia. The NCSJ is prepared to work with other human rights groups to develop appropriate educational programs.

The NCSJ has worked closely with the U.S. Government in this endeavor, and we will continue to do so. We urge the U.S. government to continue its efforts and work with other governments and international organizations to promote the development of democratic and pluralistic institutions and traditions. The protection of minority rights—within the overarching goal of promoting human rights—is at the heart of this effort. Russia’s successful development toward democracy depends on it.