- December 2, 2024
- 9:29 pm
- Israel
November 29, 2024 in Nazareth there was an event organized “The Israeli Association of Alumni of Soviet and Russian Universities under the leadership of its chairman, Dr. S. Khatib”.
This event was accompanied by the participation of key Russian diplomats, including Russian Ambassador to Israel Anatoly Viktorov. IN
The Russian Embassy in Israel notifies What “with the full text of the speech A.D. Viktorova can be found at the following links: in Russian, in Arabic. (ahhh, what country do we live in? – ed.) »
Formally, the holiday is dedicated to strengthening “cultural and educational ties,” but the context and emphasis in the speeches of the participants point to deeper goals.
As indicated, the meeting was also attended by: “Consul General of Russia in Haifa A.N. Budaev, Honorary Consul General of Russia in Nazareth A. Safiya, representatives of the Russian Embassy in Israel and Rossotrudnichestvo, public figures of the Arab community of Israel, graduates of Soviet and Russian universities.”
Wait, did they forget to invite Israeli officials?
We have already written about this association – The Russian Ambassador to Israel let it slip that the “Israeli delegation” of 54 people participated in the so-called. “World Youth Festival in Sochi” in February 2024 at the height of the Israeli campaign in the Russian Federation
An unnamed person also took part in the meeting Rossotrudnichestvo employee — who doesn't know — Rossotrudnichestvo units are used by the Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) and the Federal Security Service (FSB) as residencies, whose existence and activities are officially denied and hidden. They are tied to legal Russian missions abroad and serve as cover for special operations of Russian intelligence agencies.
Quotes:
“It is especially valuable that many of you maintain a sincere love for our country and its people, strengthening multifaceted Russian-Israeli ties.”
“Today Russia stands for the establishment of a more just and democratic world order, building international relations based on the principles of sovereign equality, mutual respect and taking into account the interests of all states.
We find in this understanding and readiness for cooperation among the world majority, primarily among the countries of the Global South (who is he talking about – about Israel? – ed.).
We intend to achieve by all available means the fulfillment of all the goals of the special military operation in Ukraine, to ensure the safe and stable development of the Russian state and people.
In relation to the situation in the Middle East, invariably and
We are consistently seeking an immediate ceasefire, urgent correction of the catastrophic humanitarian situation and a transition to resolving conflicts through political and diplomatic means.We believe that the root cause of the current aggravation is the unsettled Palestinian issue, which must be resolved on a well-known international legal basis, first of all, resolutions of the Security Council and the UN General Assembly.
I am sure that the members of the Association have great understanding of Russia’s activities in the above-mentioned and other areas.”
What lies behind the solemn rhetoric?
In his speech, Ambassador Viktorov emphasized the importance of the Association’s work, noting:
“Your association maintains cultural ties with Russia and promotes the Russian language in Israel.”
At first glance, the activities of the Association look quite neutral. However, a careful study of the composition of the participants and the goals of the organization shows its clear focus on promoting Russian interests in Israel. For example, the Chairman of the Association, Dr. Samir Khatib, actively interacts with Russian diplomatic structures and participates in international events organized by Russia.
Activists with a special mission
One of the key activities of the Association is to facilitate the selection of candidates to study at Russian universities. According to Viktorov, about 65 educational quotas are allocated annually for Israel, which are supplemented by another 15 places through Rossotrudnichestvo.
This educational exchange raises questions:
- Who exactly is selected for training?
- What values and views are formed among program participants?
- What is their role upon return to Israel?
The real problem lies in the fact that graduates of Russian universities, thanks to their professional and social activity, can promote the Russian agenda in Israeli structures.
“Russian support” or political influence?
The participation of Russian diplomats and consuls in the Association’s events suggests that its activities are viewed as an instrument of “people’s diplomacy.” Viktorov’s words emphasized “understanding and support” of Russia’s current foreign policy.
A couple of quotes from the speech:
- “University graduates continue to maintain a sincere love for Russia and strengthen its ties with Israel.”
- “Russia consistently advocates a fair resolution of international conflicts, including the Palestinian question.”
Such statements may raise doubts among Israelis: is this really a cultural initiative or an attempt to form a network of supporters of the Russian agenda?
Questions for the Association management
Dr. Samir Khatib is a figure who is of interest not only to Russian diplomats, but also to local analysts. During his leadership, he received many awards and participated in international competitions organized by Russia. At the same time, the Association’s activists closely interact with the Russian Embassy, which makes its activities not just cultural, but also politically significant.
The activities of the chairman of the Association of Alumni of Soviet and Russian Universities, said Viktorov, Dr. Samir Khatib, were “noted as deserving the highest praise.” In May of this year, he was re-elected to his position again, having received “broad support from the organization’s members.” This “reflects the respect and trust that Khatib has earned over his many years of leadership.”
“Dr. Khatib is not limited to current achievements. With the help of the Russian Embassy in Israel, he took part in the III International Competition “Leader of Public Diplomacy”, which was held in Russia with the support of various international organizations, including the Eurasian Peoples’ Assembly. Khatib entered the finals and became the winner of the competition.
In addition to this, he was awarded “Compatriot's badge of honor“, established Russian Government Commission for the Affairs of Compatriots Abroad. These awards highlight his contribution to strengthening ties between Russia and Israel.”
Table: Participation of Russian diplomats in Association events
| Event | Key participants | Key Statements |
|---|---|---|
| Graduate Day (Nazareth, 2024) | Ambassador A. Viktorov, consuls, Khatib | Maintaining ties with Russia, promoting the Russian language |
| Competition “Leader of Public Diplomacy” | Samir Khatib | Strengthening cooperation in the international arena |
| Presentation of awards to graduates | Consul of Russia, members of the Association | Celebrated successes in “public diplomacy” |
What does this mean for Israel?
In a context of global tensions and growing Russian influence in the Middle East, initiatives such as the Alumni Association can be useful tools for soft power.
The only question is, who actually benefits from its activities?
NAnews, known for its objective coverage of events, emphasizes:
“Israel should closely monitor the activities of organizations that rely on the direct support of foreign states in order to prevent interference in its own internal affairs.”
Events such as Graduate Day seem harmless only at first glance. But in fact, they can become part of a broader influence strategy.
