EAJC CEO: The future of Jewish communities in the post-Soviet space depends on geopolitics

The life of Jewish communities across the post-Soviet space is currently heavily dependent on geopolitical processes in the region. This view was expressed by Dr. Haim Ben Yakov, Director General of the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress (EAJC), during his address at the International "Business, Sport and Tolerance" Conference, currently taking place at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London. According to him, severe crises can sometimes lead to an rise in antisemitic sentiment, meaning "the Jewish community must closely monitor the situation and remain prepared to counter potential threats."

As Haim Ben Yakov noted, this cautious assessment is also prompted by the recent experience of the COVID-19 pandemic, during which online rhetoric became significantly radicalized. "Regrettably, history teaches us that global crises can lead to the proliferation of antisemitic conspiracy theories, blaming Jews for various global events. We witnessed this clearly during the pandemic and are observing a similar phenomenon now. While this currently remains confined to marginal and uneducated groups, the highly charged emotional atmosphere on social networks coupled with an uncontrolled flow of fake news could potentially make this situation highly explosive," the EAJC Director General stated.

Dr. Ben Yakov emphasized that the speed with which misinformation spreads in the media is of particular concern. "Unfortunately, I must note that history demonstrates that any statements—even if they are merely words—can sooner or later lead to physical violence."

According to Haim Ben Yakov, it is difficult to predict with certainty the future of Jewish communities in Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus, given the significant increase in repatriation to Israel, as well as Jewish emigration to Western European nations. "In this regard, we have no alternative but to closely monitor developments, track the situation, and remain prepared to respond swiftly to emergency needs, challenges, and requirements," the EAJC Director General concluded.

The "Business, Sport and Tolerance" Conference is the first international event of its kind held at London's Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, dedicated to the economy, politics, and the fight against antisemitism. The event is attended by high-ranking Israeli and British officials, politicians, diplomats, and business leaders. Among them are leaders of the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress, World Jewish Congress President Ambassador Ronald S. Lauder, Israeli Finance Minister Avigdor Lieberman, Israeli Interior Minister Ayelet Shaked, Governor of the Bank of Israel Prof. Amir Yaron, Israeli Communications Minister Yoaz Hendel, Israeli Diaspora Affairs Minister Nachman Shai, alongside other prominent politicians and entrepreneurs.

The conference is sponsored, among others, by the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress, the World Zionist Organization, the World Jewish Congress, the Jewish Agency for Israel (Sohnut), and the Ministry of Diaspora Affairs of Israel.