Flag, courtyard, and influence: why Moscow opened the “Russian House” in Jerusalem

In mid-December 2025, the Russian embassy in Israel opened a new branch of the “Russian House” in the Sergei Courtyard in Jerusalem — a site that officially belongs to the Russian Federation. Moscow claims that this is about developing a “cultural and spiritual presence in the Holy Land.” However, the very fact and the timing have raised questions among the Israeli public.

This is not about a new building or a symbolic gesture. It is an expansion of an already existing infrastructure of influence in one of the world’s most sensitive cities.

How the ceremony took place

The opening was accompanied by the raising of the Russian flag, festive decorations with elements of New Year’s symbolism, and a screening of a documentary film about the “historical presence of Russia” in the region.

The new venue in Jerusalem complements the “Russian House” in Tel Aviv, which has been the main center of the organization in Israel for several years.

The format of the event emphasized not so much the local as the symbolic nature of the event.

Focus on history and “roots”

The head of the “Russian House” in Israel, Diana Meged, stated that the activities of the new branch will focus on “strengthening the Russian presence based on the historical significance of the place.”

According to her, the Sergei Courtyard, returned to Russia’s ownership in 2008, was built at the end of the 19th century by the Imperial Orthodox Palestine Society and served for a long time as a center of religious and diplomatic activity of the Russian Empire.

This narrative is key. History is used here as a tool to legitimize the modern presence.

Embassy’s position

The Russian ambassador to Israel, Anatoly Viktorov, stated that the new center is intended to “strengthen humanitarian and spiritual ties between Russia and the Holy Land.” He emphasized that the opening in the Sergei Courtyard “symbolizes the continuity of history and a return to roots.”

Foreign diplomats and representatives of Christian denominations in Jerusalem attended the ceremony, giving the event additional international weight.

Why this caused concern

In Israel, the opening of the second “Russian House” was met with caution — especially considering the upcoming national elections.

The “Russian House” in Tel Aviv has been holding lectures, cultural events, and meetings with civil society representatives for several years. The expansion of the network at this time seems intentional.

Public reaction

Activists noted the timing and public statements from Moscow about the intention to expand influence in the Holy Land.

They recall previous statements by Russian President Vladimir Putin about the “significant Russian-speaking community in Israel,” as well as warnings from the Israeli state comptroller and security services about possible foreign interference in electoral processes.

Weakened influence and an attempt at a comeback

Previously, Israeli officials pointed to Moscow’s attempts to influence elections through Russian-language media and social networks targeting a large electoral segment.

However, after the start of the war in Ukraine and amid criticism of Russia’s position on Hamas, Moscow’s influence among Russian-speaking Israelis has noticeably decreased. Experts acknowledge this factor.

This is why the opening of the branch in Jerusalem is seen by many as an attempt to regain lost positions — not only through media but also through symbols, space, and “cultural infrastructure.”

A question without a clear answer

How effective this strategy will be is an open question. The political and regional context has changed, and trust in Russian initiatives in Israel is no longer a given.

Nevertheless, the very fact of the new center’s appearance in Jerusalem shows that the struggle for influence in the Holy Land continues, and it increasingly goes beyond diplomacy, remaining a subject of close attention from the editorial team of NAnews — News of Israel | Nikk.Agency.