The Role of Politics in Contemporary Russian Antisemitism

Publication Date: September 1999

Publisher: Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs

Author(s): Betsy Gidwitz

Research Area: Culture and religion

Keywords: Community Relations; Soviet Jewry; Jewish security; FSU

Type: Report

Coverage: Russia (Federation)

Abstract:

The author discusses the sources, level, and nature of antisemitism in contemporary Russia. She places antisemitism in political and economic context, examining its forms across the political spectrum, and the various responses and non-responses of the government. The author further outlines the development of the super-rich "oligarch" class, and explains why the fact that many of these are Jews can be rooted in Soviet history.