Ros-SMI: The Israeli Ambassador to the Russian Federation stated that “Israel has offered to become a mediator between Russia and Ukraine” – is that true?

Well …. in general, this is how it is …. Russian media, as usual, write for their domestic audience, but the question to the ambassador is — “Did she actually read what is being written from her words? And does she confirm for printing her words as the official representative of the State of Israel?” ….

“Israel from the very beginning of the conflict in Ukraine offered its mediation services to Moscow and Kyiv and is now ready to play a role in the reconciliation of the parties”,- this is the title of the article in “Lenta.ru” on April 16, 2025, in which the Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the State of Israel to Russia Simona Galperin allegedly said in an interview.

Subheading: “Ambassador of Israel Galperin: We are ready to contribute to the reconciliation of Russia and Ukraine”.

“At the same time, Israel’s position is unchanged: we have always supported the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine” – Galperin.

Let’s read the interview ….

Another quote: “Israel is considered as a potential mediator in the Ukrainian conflict” – the editorial question, who considers this?

Headline: “The wedding of the children of the Chief Rabbi of Russia Berel Lazar and the Rabbi of Odessa Avraham Wolf was perceived by many as a symbol of a possible path to peace. The role that Israel plays in the Ukrainian conflict, how Russia is involved in Middle Eastern events, and where Russian-Israeli relations are headed, was discussed with Lenta.ru by the Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the State of Israel to Russia, Simona Galperin.”

So, what do they write?

Earlier this year, the wedding of the children of the Chief Rabbi of Russia Berel Lazar and the Rabbi of Odessa Avraham Wolf took place in Israel. How is this event perceived in Israel? What might this event mean for future contacts between Russia and Ukraine?

Simona Galperin: “I would not look for political undertones in this. It’s just a beautiful story of two young people.

Yes, they met through shidukh, but the main thing is that they truly fell in love with each other. In our time, no one dictates anything anymore.

We simply rejoice in love. Before our eyes, another Jewish home has been established.

Nevertheless, this is a good example that human connections remain even in the most difficult times. Love conquers all. When there is love, it doesn’t matter who you are — Russian, Ukrainian, or Jewish. Such personal connections can overcome everything.”

How is Israel managing to interact with Jewish communities in Russia and Ukraine right now?

Simona Galperin: “Israel maintains close relations with both Russia and Ukraine. We are a home for all the Jewish people, and therefore we maintain contact with communities around the world.

But it is especially important that the Jewish community is also providing support to Israel.

This was evident, for example, after the terrible tragedy of October 7 [2023], the Hamas attack on Israel. The support was mutual and very noticeable.”

What role can Israel or Jewish communities play in resolving the conflict in Ukraine?

Simona Galperin: “From the very beginning, Israel declared its readiness to contribute to the reconciliation of Russia and Ukraine if both sides approach us with such a request. But so far, this has not happened.

We all — in Russia, in Israel, and in other countries — hope for a swift end to the conflict.

I recall the Musaf prayer, which is recited on the holiday of Passover: ‘May He make peace for us and all the people of Israel.’ May this peace come to Russia, Ukraine, Israel, and all other countries of the world.

At the same time, Israel’s position is unchanged: we have always supported the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.

But we are very hopeful that the parties themselves will be able to agree so that peace will finally come. This is important for all.”

And what about Russian-Israeli relations

What is the basis of Russian-Israeli relations right now? What has been achieved recently?

Simona Galperin: “The relations between our countries are very close and important for both sides. They are built primarily on a human level. We have much in common — history, culture, fates.

The real bridge between us is Russian-speaking Israelis and Jews living in Russia.

And we are seeing concrete results of cooperation right now. For example, we recently managed to negotiate the payment of a fee for the right to enter Israel using Russian cards on the VFS portal. This was previously impossible, and tourists had difficulties.

Another important piece of news — from May 1, direct flights from Russia to Israel will resume with El Al Airlines. These flights were suspended a few months ago, and as a result of joint work and professional contacts, we managed to restore them already from May 1.

We are moving forward — planning to open new flights, including to Eilat in the southern part of the country.

We really love and value our guests from Russia and are always happy to welcome them — as tourists and as pilgrims. Not coincidentally, we have had a mutual visa-free regime for many years.”

Israel has not imposed sanctions on Russia since the start of the conflict in Ukraine. How likely is a change in this approach?

Simona Galperin: “I will answer clearly and directly: Israel simply does not have a mechanism to impose sanctions against other countries. And in the near future, this is unlikely to change.”

In addition to tourism, Israel became one of the main destinations for emigration from Russia in 2022, especially for Russian Jews. How have those who left integrated into Israeli society, and what role do they now play?

Simona Galperin: “We call it repatriation, or aliya, which in Hebrew means ‘ascent.’ It is not just moving; it is a return home, because Israel was created as a home for the Jewish people.

In recent years, well before 2022, a large number of repatriates from Russia have arrived. Israel welcomes them with open arms — today they live and work successfully throughout the country.

I even hear from my friends how many business projects new repatriates have launched! From high-tech to cozy cafes. They bring a fresh breath to both culture and media.

It is especially interesting to watch how new repatriates integrate into the economic system. Initially, they work in a Russian-speaking environment, but gradually adapt. Here is a bright example: the son of my acquaintances, who opened a restaurant in Haifa, completely changed the menu after studying local tastes, habits, and customs.

Of course, some live between two countries — constantly traveling between Israel and Russia. But there is something special about that.

Such people are yet another bridge between our countries.”

What is preventing full cooperation between Russia and Israel in the current situation?

From the editorial: The friendship with Hamas and other terrorists is a hindrance — but Galperin didn’t know yet about Putin’s speech thanking Hamas.

Simona Galperin: “Let’s not hide — there are difficult issues. We do not agree on everything.

But even on the most sensitive issues, including Middle Eastern problems, we maintain an open and trusting dialogue. I consider this a very significant achievement.”

… there is much more — but it is not related to our topic …

Well …. in general, this is how it is …. Russian media, as usual, write for their domestic audience, but the question to the ambassador is — “Did she actually read what is being written from her words? And does she confirm for printing her words as the official representative of the State of Israel?” ….

NAnews – Israel News