“In fact, everyone returned and even more”: the president of the Federation of Jewish Communities of Russia “counted” the Jews who left after the start of the invasion of Ukraine

At a press conference on January 23, 2025, dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, the rabbi and president of the Federation of Jewish Communities of Russia Alexander Beard stated:

“Many people simply leave to obtain Israeli citizenship and then return to Russia”

“We do not note any decrease in Jews in Russia, we do not see it… There was some activity in leaving for Israel with the beginning of the “SVO” (this is what the Russian authorities ordered to call the full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 22, 2022 – ed.), a small number left, and in fact that’s all (!) are back“

Moreover, Beard noted that the “escalation of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict,” which began with the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2024, “encouraged some Jews to move to Russia”:

“I would say that even more Jews came to Russia than left at the beginning of the SVO.”

These words caused a wave of questions and doubts…

Alexander Beard

Alexander Boroda is not only the president of the Federation of Jewish Communities of Russia, but also a person with close ties to the Russian government. Since 2009, he has been a member of the Public Chamber of the Russian Federation, and in 2023 he was appointed there by Putin’s decree.

Beard has repeatedly made statements that have drawn criticism both in Russia and abroad. For example, in 2022, he spoke of a “surge of neo-Nazism” in Ukraine, which led to international condemnation and inclusion in Ukraine’s sanctions lists.

Reaction of Israeli and Ukrainian Jews

In Israeli Jewish circles, Beard’s statement was received with bewilderment. One member of the Russian-speaking community in Israel, who moved from Moscow in 2022, commented:

“We left not only because of the war, but also because of the atmosphere in Russia. Should I go back there? No, thank you.”

Ukrainian Jews who witnessed Russian aggression also expressed their surprise. Former Moscow rabbi Pinchas Goldschmidt, who left the country in March 2022, previously warned Jews about the rise of anti-Semitism in Russia.

What's really going on?

Despite Beard's statements, the reality looks different:

1. Mass emigration continues. Jews are leaving Russia not only because of the war, but also because of the general deterioration of the political situation.
2. Returns are rare. Most of those who leave prefer to stay in Israel or other countries where they feel safer.
3. Political subtext. Beard's statements may be aimed at creating the illusion of stability and support for the Russian regime.

Conclusion

Alexander Boroda’s statements about the massive return of Jews to Russia and their new influx from Israel raise many doubts. Without real data, these words look like an attempt at political propaganda.

Our website NAnews – Israel News continues to monitor developments and provide verified information about the life of Jewish communities in Russia, Israel and Ukraine.

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