Supported by the EAJC, the INSS hosted a conference marking the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Israel and Russia

News

12/12/21

On December 8-9, the Institute for National Security Studies (INSS) in Israel hosted a major conference marking the 30th anniversary of the restoration of bilateral diplomatic relations between Russia and Israel. Prominent experts in international relations, diplomats, and official representatives from the State of Israel, the Russian Federation, and the United States engaged in discussions regarding key areas of bilateral cooperation, analyzed the current state of affairs, assessed prospects for future partnership, and presented their strategic forecasts.

The conference was organized with the support of the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress (EAJC), the Government of Israel, the LS Group consulting firm, the Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation, the National Research University Higher School of Economics (HSE University), the Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO), the Maalot Center for Russian Jewish Heritage, and the Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences (IOS RAS).

The panel discussions featured authoritative researchers and high-ranking state officials. Among the participants were Nativ Director Neta Briskin-Peleg, former Israeli Ambassador to the Russian Federation Zvi Magen, Senior Analyst at the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs Elena Margovsky-Lotem, Head of the Department of Political Science at the Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation Prof. Konstantin Simonov, MGIMO Vice-Rector Prof. Viktor Morozov, Senior Research Fellow at Reichman University (INSS) Dr. Kobi Michael, Chairman of the Valdai Discussion Club Andrey Bystritskiy, former Member of the Knesset Ofer Shelah, former Israeli Ambassador to the United Kingdom and Media Advisor to the Prime Minister Mark Regev, President of the Russian Jewish Congress (RJC) Yuri Kanner, among others.

Anatoly Viktorov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to the State of Israel, and Alex Ben-Zvi, Ambassador of Israel to the Russian Federation, delivered welcoming addresses to the organizers and participants of the conference.

In his remarks, Ambassador Alex Ben-Zvi noted: “The events surrounding the restoration of diplomatic relations between Russia and Israel 30 years ago, in October 1991, hold significant personal meaning for me. I served as the interpreter for that historic meeting between the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Israel David Levy and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the USSR Boris Pankin. Consequently, I recall the signing ceremony of the agreement in substantial detail. Later, in the summer of 1992, I arrived in Moscow as Deputy Chief of Mission. The ambassador at the time was Aryeh Levin, succeeded by Chaim Bar-Lev, and subsequently Aliza Shenhar. It is remarkable to reflect on the profound transformation that has occurred over these three decades. Initially, in 1986, bilateral relations were approached with extreme caution. During the first meeting in Helsinki, the parties declined to address any matters beyond consular affairs. Today, we engage in discussions on strategic and major international issues. We address matters concerning our regional interests as well as the interests of the Russian Federation. Topics such as Iran, Syria, and the Palestinian issue represent focal points within the geopolitical interests of both Israel and Russia. Therefore, this opportunity to review the milestones of the past 30 years is of paramount importance.”

Ambassador Anatoly Viktorov, welcoming the participants, emphasized that “the robust and continuous political dialogue, including communication at the highest state levels, serves as a vital driving force for Russian-Israeli cooperation.”

The session titled “Bonds Between Two Nations: Jewry, Culture, and Community Connections” was moderated by Dr. Haim Ben Yakov, Director General of the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress. Addressing the participants, he recalled the history of the Jewish community in the Soviet Union and subsequently in Russia: “It is crucial to emphasize that the ties between individuals, community organizations, and Jewish institutions in Israel and Russia constitute the true bridge connecting our nations. Diplomatic efforts alone do not encompass the entirety of these relations. Therefore, in analyzing the bilateral relationship, close attention must be paid to civil society.

It should be recalled that the activities of Jewish communal organizations were prohibited in the Soviet Union. With the exception of a few operating synagogues, community opinion leaders faced state persecution. It was only during the late Soviet period that establishing institutional ties between Israel and the Jewish community became feasible. The subsequent revival of the Jewish community movement in the post-Soviet space was built upon two primary pillars: aliya to Israel and the establishment of new diaspora centers.

Today, a significant population of ethnic Jews and individuals of mixed heritage reside in the territory of the former USSR. A portion of this demographic remains actively involved in the communal work of the Jewish diaspora. Furthermore, support extended to the diaspora from Israel remains a cornerstone for reinforcing Jewish self-identification locally.

The operational models of Israeli institutions often serve as benchmarks for communities abroad. Organizations such as Nativ, the Jewish Agency, and the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration are viewed as examples of successful administration to be emulated. While internal criticism is common within Israel, from an external perspective, these achievements appear highly substantial. This has been consistent throughout our history. Currently, the preservation of Jewish traditions and the academic study of history remain vital dimensions of our relationship.”