Former Chief Rabbi of Moscow HaRav Pinchas Goldschmidt was declared as a “foreign agent” by the Russian Justice Ministry over the weekend.
A statement released by the ministry states that HaRav Goldschmidt spread “false information about the decisions made by public authorities of the Russian Federation and their policies,” and expressed opposition about the “special military operation” in Ukraine.
HaRav Goldschmidt, who served as Chief Rabbi of Moscow for 33 years, left Russia over a year ago after refusing to express support for the invasion of Ukraine.
In response to his new “status,” HaRav Goldschmidt, who now lives in Israel, said, “I’m proud to be on the right side of history and to join the list of people opposing this terrible war that has cost the lives of hundreds of thousands. For 30 years, I nurtured and protected Moscow’s Jewish community, and no decision will prevent me from continuing to do so.”
“Russia has turned for the worse,” he added. “This is the first time since the beginning of the war that a religious leader has been declared a foreign agent and defined by the Russian government as a hostile threat.”
“It’s very likely that this will mean the start of a new antisemitic campaign against the Jewish community in Russia. I’ve previously called on the local Jewish community to leave the country before it’s too late.”
(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)
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6 Responses
The Chief Rabbi & I personally know each-other for several decades, and nothing could be further from the truth, and what an abomination on putin’s part, who is single-handedly responsible for having snuffed out countless innocent russian & ukranian lives.
Wow…. He actualy said what Trump supporters cant bring themselves to say.
Maybe the rabbi should not have gotten involved in politics or war. A halachic matter??
Interesting, that other rabonim have the intelligence not to involve themselves in politics and are able to remain in Russia and serve the Jewish people living there that need them desperately. Not abandoning a post that Hashem expected rabbi Goldschmidt to maintain instead of running his mouth. And then adding insult by telling those hapless Jews to emigrate ( like they have the means )
Rav Goldschmidt שליט”א is a great man who did so much for Yiddishkeit in Russia for so many years. He was there even when the communist system was still in power (toward the end). He does not belong to a sect, he belongs to Klal Yisroel. He is someone who is in the know, and is reliable.
We thank him for all he did and does for Torah there and elsewhere, and wish him well.
“This is the first time since the beginning of the war that a religious leader has been declared a foreign agent and defined by the Russian government as a hostile threat.”
And you know what is also the first time?
That a religious ‘leader’ with no excuse to do so, takes a PUBLIC stance against the government under which he is supposed to be serving in that religious position.
You asked for it.- and your proud??
….Well now-a-days we see well to often that pride isn’t always a good thing. it is a tactic that many use to cover up their shame when their stupidity reveals itself. instead of shying away and keeping quiet like a normal person would, now-a-days, no! Be proud!! H’ yirachem.