With the participation of unnamed Israeli officials and “activists of Israeli associations of Russian-speaking compatriots,” Israel celebrated the Russian “National Unity Day”

“Russia is trying to present Russian-speaking Israelis as its “compatriots”which creates a false impression (or not?) unity between these groups and the Russian state. However, With this status comes the shadow of Russian military aggression, in particular against Ukraine (and “alliances” of the Russian Federation with Iran, Hezbollah, assistance to the Houthis and Syrian Assad, relations with Hamas…). Many of these people may be affected by the treatment of “Russians” who take part in destruction, murder and aggression in Ukraine, which could negatively affect their lives in Israel and the treatment of them in democratic countries.”

November 3, 2024 The Russian Embassy in Israel held a reception on the occasion of “National Unity Day”.

As stated on the embassy websitewere present

“former Prime Minister of Israel E. Olmert (the only Israeli official named)representatives of the Office of the President of Israel, the National Security Council, the Knesset, the Nativ Liaison Bureau under the Office of the Head of Government, the mayors of Israeli cities, the Russian Jewish Congress” (no one else is named, why?),

as well as some Russian “diplomatic workers” (we are not interested in this),

and “Director of the Russian House in Israel D.A. Magad, Chairman of the Coordination Council of Organizations of Russian-Speaking Compatriots of Israel M.M. Perelshtein, Director of the Antonin Kapustin Foundation R.I. Ashurbeyli, the Lobanov family, the leadership of the Union of World War II Veterans – Fighters against Nazism, Israeli Association of Soviet and Russian Universities, leaders and activists of Israeli associations of Russian-speaking compatriots, veterans, representatives of business, academic and creative circles, journalists.”

“Heads of diplomatic missions, diplomats and military attaches of friendly countries accredited in Israel took part (not named, visible on the map, difficult to find).

“The reception was attended by His Beatitude Theophilos III, Patriarch of the Holy City of Jerusalem and all Palestine, the Head of the Russian Ecclesiastical Mission in Jerusalem (RDM) Archimandrite Vassian (Zmeev) and clergy of the RDM.”

The Russian Ambassador to Israel especially noted that “We value the contribution of Russian-speaking compatriots living in Israel to maintaining Russian-Israeli contacts, their sincere assistance in strengthening the position of the Russian language and culture, and preserving common historical memory and values.»

The influence of Russian diplomacy on Russian-speaking Israelis: the shadow of the war in Ukraine

In recent years, Russian diplomacy has been actively involving Russian-speaking Israelis in its games, which could have negative consequences not only for their reputation, but also for relations with Israel as a whole.. This practice raises serious concerns and calls into question the moral principles on which the Russian Federation’s relations with its “compatriots” in Israel are based.

1. Russian-speaking “compatriots” and their role in the conflict

Russia is trying to present Russian-speaking Israelis as its “compatriots,” which creates a false impression of unity between these groups and the Russian state. However, with this status comes the shadow of Russian military aggression, particularly against Ukraine. Many of these people may be affected by stereotypes about “countrymen” who take part in destruction, murder and aggression, which can negatively affect their lives in Israel and the way they are treated in democratic countries.

2. Tarnished reputation

By using the term “compatriots,” Russia is effectively trying to unite Russian-speaking citizens of Israel with the actions of its government, including military operations in Ukraine and support for other aggressive regimes. This creates an image among Israelis of the “Russian” as a potential enemy, which could lead to negative consequences for the entire Russian-speaking community in the country. People who simply want to live in peace and quiet may find themselves under suspicion.

3. Political manipulation

Russian authorities often use Russian-speaking Israelis as a tool to advance their political interests. For example, participation in cultural and humanitarian initiatives often results in attempts to legitimize Russia’s actions in the international arena. This could lead to Russian compatriots being associated with aggression and conflicts in which they are not directly involved.

4. Risk of marginalization

Against the backdrop of growing conflicts and dissatisfaction with Russia's actions, Russian-speaking Israelis risk being marginalized in society. To make matters worse, many of them may be misunderstood and tainted by the shadow of Russian politics. Negative perceptions can lead to social isolation and even economic hardship as people become wary of interacting with “Russians.”

Russian diplomacy, playing on the feelings of Russian-speaking Israelis, undermines trust and creates dangerous stereotypes. The “compatriots” whom Moscow tries to present as allies may in fact become victims of their own identity. It is important that they understand the potential risks associated with such policies and not allow Russia to take advantage of them. Negative consequences for their reputation could affect not only them, but the entire community, as well as relations between Israel and Russia.

Israel must recognize this danger and take measures to protect the interests of its citizens without allowing them to be manipulated by Moscow.

The ambassador also emphasized that “Our people are united as never before. We will defend the security of Russia, our national identity and the foundation of Russian statehood. We will achieve all the goals of the “special military operation” (he’s talking about the murder of Ukrainians and the destruction of Ukraine).

In his speech, Deputy Ambassador A.D. Viktorov tried to present Russia as a “strong multinational and multi-religious state,” but his words about the unity of the Russian people against external threats only confirm the growing discontent among Israelis. The situation requires attention, especially when Russia continues to strengthen its ties with Israel's enemies.

Russia has been supporting regimes and organizations that pose a threat to Israel for many years. These enemies include:

• Iranwhich actively helps Hamas and other terrorist groups.
• Hamaswhich is waging an open war against Israel, receiving not only political but also financial support from Russia.
• Hezbollaha paramilitary group based in Lebanon and also receiving support from Moscow.
• Assad regime in Syriawhere Russia is conducting military operations and strengthening its military base.
• Houthis in Yemenwith whom Russia is actively negotiating and supporting.

“Russian diplomacy declares its desire for peace, but continues to support forces hostile to Israel. Why do they feel at home here, and aren’t they ashamed to teach us how to live?“- criticize diplomats and public figures in Israel.

In countries with strong democracies and strong positions on national security issues, such events would be strictly controlled and sometimes impossible.

These relations call into question Russia's true intentions in the Middle East region. How can you do business with such countries and then expect trust from Israel? In most normal countries, such diplomacy would cause a negative reaction.

PWhy do Russian diplomats supporting states that threaten the security of Israel continue to hold their events and receive recognition on Israeli soil?? Such duality in actions is infuriating, especially when Russia, according to critics, is playing with public opinion and strengthening its own position at the expense of internal divisions in Israel.

The hidden goal of Russian diplomacy?

The Russian side positions itself as a “peacemaker” in the Middle East, but its line regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict remains extremely ambiguous. During the reception, in his speech, Russian Ambassador Alexander Viktorov recalled that the Russian position on this issue is “consistent,” emphasizing the condemnation of both terrorist attacks and Israeli measures in response to Hamas attacks “disproportionate use of force leading to mass casualties among civilians.” . However, many of those present know that Russia regularly supports Iran, Syria and others – countries and terrorist organizations that have become hotbeds of anti-Semitism and aggression against Israel.

Russian representatives, moreover, do not stop at diplomatic maneuvers. At the official level, they support projects aimed at popularizing Russian culture and language in Israel, which, according to some analysts, is an attempt to consolidate influence on Russian-speaking Israelis and persuade them to a pro-Russian position.

For Russia, the Israeli diplomatic platform is also an opportunity to maintain its influence in the Middle East. Informal support for Israel's enemies goes in parallel with events aimed at supporting Russian-speaking Israelis. As part of such events, Russia not only awards individual representatives of the diaspora, but also actively promotes cultural projects and humanitarian programs. The main objectives of this work include:

• Consolidation of pro-Russian sentiments in the Russian-speaking community, which in the long term could become a factor complicating Israel’s internal politics.
• Formation of cultural and ideological connections against the backdrop of strengthening Russia’s position in the international arena.
• Showing diplomatic openness and strengthwhich could help strengthen alliances in the region and create a pro-Russian lobby.

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