- June 4, 2025
- 7:11 pm
- World News
Israeli Delegation at the “Russian Abroad” Forum: Who Are They and Why the Secrecy?
The Russian Embassy in Israel announced on June 3, 2026, that from May 26 to May 30, an event titled “15th Forum of Youth Organizations of Russian Compatriots and Foreign Russian-language Media — Russian Abroad” was held in Saint Petersburg, Russia.
And it is already clear — since the announcement came proudly from the Russian Embassy in Israel — that participants included people “from Israel”.
Neither the Israeli Embassy in Russia nor official structures in Jerusalem provided any information on their official platforms regarding the presence of Israeli citizens at this “forum.”
This raises serious questions:
- Was the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs officially informed?
- Who exactly represented Israel?
- Why are Israeli diplomats avoiding comments on this issue?
- Why does the Russian Embassy in Israel know about it while the Israeli Embassy in Russia seemingly does not?
Who exactly among the “youth” and from which “organizations of Russian compatriots” in Israel attended — remains unknown. The names of the Israeli Russian-language media outlets that participated are also undisclosed.
However, the Russian Embassy in Israel published several group photos of participants — those curious can follow the link and perhaps recognize someone.
Still, someone from Israel most likely did attend — the Russian Embassy even shared a “testimonial” from one particularly enthusiastic participant (judging by the grammar — male):
At the end of his stay in Saint Petersburg, one of the Israeli participants sent the forum organizers the following message of thanks:
“Saint Petersburg, thank you.
Saint Petersburg… you are not just a city — you are magic, soul, and inspiration! ✨
My past week here was a true journey within myself, an experience for all the senses and the heart.From the grandeur of the Mariinsky Theatre, the soul-penetrating music, the streets that feel like a living gallery, to the manners of the people — every moment made me pause and feel gratitude.
Culture here is above all. Respect, elegance, a gentleman’s style I have never seen anywhere else…”
A poet, apparently…
Organizers and Forum “Goals”
The forum was organized by Russian authorities — the Committee on External Relations of Saint Petersburg in cooperation with the Department for Work with Compatriots Abroad of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Clearly, behind the façade of a cultural and educational event, the Kremlin aims to spread its propaganda narratives and strengthen its influence among “Russian-speaking diasporas” around the world.
“The event was organized by the Committee on External Relations of Saint Petersburg with the support of the Department for Work with Compatriots Abroad of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia, as part of the implementation of the Russian Federation’s state policy towards compatriots abroad.
Since 2008, the project has successfully united active young compatriots from near and far abroad, offering them unique opportunities for professional growth, networking, and exchanging experiences with leading experts in media and public activity.”
According to the forum website, the event gathered “55 participants from 28 countries”: Abkhazia, Azerbaijan, Algeria, Argentina, Armenia, Belarus, Bulgaria, Egypt, Israel, India, Spain, Italy, Kazakhstan, Qatar, Kyrgyzstan, China, Mexico, Morocco, Moldova, UAE, Oman, Syria, Tajikistan, Thailand, Tunisia, Uzbekistan, South Ossetia, United Kingdom.
Imperial Symbols and Propaganda Atmosphere
The entire forum was saturated with Russian imperial symbolism, most notably the prominent use of “St. George’s ribbons”, which have become a symbol of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and are widely rejected by the civilized world.
What Did the Forum Participants Do?
According to the organizers, forum participants went on excursions in Saint Petersburg, visited the Yusupov Palace and Gazprom Arena, and joined the city’s 322nd anniversary celebrations. For media representatives, lectures on digital ethics, psychological influence, and stress resistance were conducted. Leaders of public organizations attended the “Empathium” game, a self-presentation workshop, and lectures on leadership development.
Russia — Ally of All Israel’s Enemies
The presence of Israeli citizens at an event hosted by a country that openly supports hostile actors in the Middle East is especially alarming. Russia is or has been a key ally of:
- Iran, which openly threatens to destroy Israel;
- Syria, where Russian forces support the Assad regime;
- Hamas and Islamic Jihad;
- Hezbollah in Lebanon;
- and other terrorist actors worldwide.
In this context, Israeli involvement in a Kremlin-sponsored propaganda forum seems like a dangerous miscalculation — or even a betrayal of Israel’s own interests and allies, including Ukraine.
How Putin’s Russia Uses Such Events
The editorial team at NAnews – Israel News emphasizes that such forums are part of a calculated strategy by Putin’s Russia to manipulate so-called “compatriots” abroad, including in Israel. Under the guise of cultural and educational programming, the Kremlin seeks to:
- Instill pro-Russian and anti-Western sentiments;
- Create an illusion of international legitimacy and support, especially while democratic nations distance themselves from Moscow due to its aggression in Ukraine and imperial ambitions elsewhere;
- Expand its influence over Russian-speaking diasporas and foster loyalty to Putin’s regime.
NAnews calls on Israeli authorities and civil society not to ignore these dangerous attempts by Russia to exploit Israeli citizens for propaganda. We will continue to monitor this situation closely.
