Political anti-Semitism appears to be on the rise in Russia, where an unstable political situation and chaotic economic conditions have led some to blame Jews for society's ills. While the anti-Semitism that existed as

...scapegoating Jews as the source of Russia's economic and social problems has become increasingly common on both the national and local levels...

official state policy during the Soviet era has not resurfaced, some prominent political figures, particularly those associated with the Communist party, have employed anti-Semitism to further their own political ambitions. Such anti-Semitism, espoused by government leaders in parliamentary hearings, on television, in newspapers and at mass rallies, threatens to create a hostile environment for the Russian Jewish community. Furthermore, as this practice of scapegoating Jews as the source of Russia's economic and social problems has become increasingly common on both the national and local levels, some analysts suggest that these lawmakers are trying to garner support from nationalist voters ahead of the late 1999 general elections and 2000 presidential elections. Alarmingly, these politicians have made their anti-Semitic statements without penalty by their colleagues or the state.

Next: Background Conditions

This report was produced by ADL and the National Conference on Soviet Jewry.