2010 EVENTS

February 4

The Legacy and Consequences of Jackson-Vanik: Reassessing Human Rights in 21st Century Russia

Kennan Institute, Woodrow Wilson Center

During the Cold War, the United States and the West used the issue of human rights as a platform to question the policies and ultimately the legitimacy of the Soviet Union. One aspect of that strategy was the Jackson-Vanik amendment to the 1974 Trade Act, which denied normal trading relations to non-market economies that restricted emigration rights. The amendment was particularly targeted to the Soviet Union’s practice at the time to deny Jews permission to emigrate.

Nearly 20 years after the fall of the Soviet Union and the emergence of an independent Russian state, the Jackson-Vanik amendment remains in force against Russia, even though Russia has been declared a market economy by the United States and it no longer restricts emigration.

This conference explored the history, legacy, and lessons of the enactment and life of the Jackson-Vanik amendment.

Panel 2: Rethinking the Human Rights Issue and U.S.-Russian Relations

Chair: Steve Hanson, University of Washington
Blake Marshall, The PBN Company
Sarah Mendelson, Center for Strategic and International Studies
Sam Kliger, American Jewish Committee

February 3

The Jackson-Vanik Amendment and U.S.-Russian Relations

Kennan Institute, Woodrow Wilson Center

Sarah Mendelson, Center for Strategic and International Studies; Sam Kliger, American Jewish Committee; Karinna Moskalenko, International Protection Center; Moderator William Pomeranz, Deputy Director, Kennan Institute

The Jackson-Vanik amendment to the 1974 Trade Act denied permanent normal trading relations to non-market economies that restricted emigration rights, and remains in force today for several states, including Russia. Three experts discussed the legacy of Jackson-Vanik, and how the United States can contribute to improving the human rights atmosphere in Russia without reverting to the dynamics of the Cold War.

January 26

What should be done to improve American Jewish – Israel relations?

Discussion with Israeli Minister Yuli Edelstein

On January 26, AJC’s ACCESS NY hosted meeting with one of the leading architects of Israeli-Diaspora relations, Yuli Edelstein. The participants of the Russian Leadership program took apart in the event.

January 15-18

Limmud NY Conference 2010

From January 15 to January 18, Limmud NY hosted its annual Conference. It attracted 700 participants and boasted over 300 sessions, performances and events over the course of the weekend.

Sam Kliger, Director of Russian Jewish Community Affairs of AJC, participated in the event with three presentations : “Jewish Interest and Jewish Diplomacy”, “Russian Jews and American Jews ; Conflicts, Integration, and the Future”, and “Russian Jewish Community in NY : Economy, Politics, and Religion”.

January 13

Leadership Training Program 2010

On January 13, 2010, Russian Division of the American Jewish Committee started its renowned Leadership Training Program of 2010. Participants represent an elite group of Russian-speaking potential leaders with various backgrounds. The Program offers a unique opportunity to learn about and engage in social, political, and communal issues that are most pressing to the American Jewish Community and broader society today.The Program will go for 8 consecutive Wednesdays, starting from Wednesday, January 13, 2010.