An AJC leadership delegation just concluded a two-day visit to Russia. Moscow marks the last stop for the 11-member group, which began its journey in Azerbaijan and also visited Ukraine.
In Moscow, the delegation met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Israeli Ambassador to Russia Anna Azari, American Deputy Chief of Mission Eric Rubin, former head of the Russian presidential administration Alexander Voloshin, and senior officials at ROSATOM (the State Atomic Energy Corporation). Thursday’s meeting with Foreign Minister Lavrov was the latest in more than a dozen meetings with the foreign minister in the past several years.
In addition, AJC met with leaders of Russia’s vibrant Jewish community, including the Russian Jewish Congress, Moscow Hillel, the Eurasian Jewish Congress, and VAAD.
Interreligious dialogue was also high on the agenda in a discussion with the Deputy Head of International Relations for the Russian Orthodox Church, which counts over 135 million members worldwide and functions as an integral part of Russia’s social and cultural fabric.
Many Russian media outlets closely followed the AJC trip throughout their two-day stint in Moscow. Russia’s premier English-language station, Russia Today or RT, which is broadcast worldwide, featured two interviews with the delegation and the Russian News and Information Agency, RIA Novosti, prominently displayed a third interview on its website.
"Our meetings in Russia were extremely informative, fruitful, and in many respects, encouraging," said Harris. "AJC’s relationship with this part of the world dates back to 1906, when the organization was founded by American Jews concerned about pogroms sweeping the region. In light of this tragic history, not to mention the events of the Second World War and the plight of Soviet Jewry, it’s simply stunning to come as an American Jewish group to Moscow and see what progress has been made here in rebuilding Jewish life."
AJC’s meetings in the Foreign Ministry and at ROSATOM focused on Iran’s nuclear program and what can be done to prevent the regime from attaining nuclear weapons. "Our talks with high-ranking Russian officials both confirmed and highlighted this threat, as time is not on our side," explained Harris. "An Iran with nuclear-weapons capability not only poses a threat to the state of Israel, but also to regional and global security. Russia, Israel, the United States, and indeed the entire international community, have a vested interest in bringing this program to a halt.
On a more uplifting note, talks with American and Israeli diplomats indicated that the bilateral relationships between these two countries and Russia are at their highest point in years. As Harris explained, "The much-discussed "reset" in relations between the U.S. and Russia is a reality and its effects are being felt here on the ground. AJC hopes that this bond will continue to strengthen and that Russia will soon be graduated from the outdated Jackson-Vanik Amendment, which today is little more than a Cold War relic."
Similarly, relations with Israel, which is home to more than a million Russian speakers are strong and getting stronger. Successful economic, cultural and political partnerships between the Russian Federation and the State of Israel have been bolstered by a visa-free agreement, which allows Russian and Israeli citizens to travel easily between the two countries, encouraging both trade and tourism.
Russian Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov and AJC Executive Director, David Harris
July 7, 2010
AJC Leadership Delegation Visits Ukraine
Kyiv, Ukraine
An AJC leadership delegation just concluded a two-day visit to Ukraine.
The 11-member group met with Prime Minister Mykola Azarov, the President's Deputy Chief of Staff for External Affairs Amb. Andrii Goncharuk, and Deputy Foreign Minister Oleksandr Horin.
AJC also met with Opposition Leader Yulia Tymoshenko and former President Viktor Yushchenko.
The delegation was briefed by American Ambassador John Tefft and Israeli ambassador Zina Kalay-Kleitman, and met with leaders of the Jewish community, including representatives of the VAAD, the Ukrainian Jewish Committee, and the Ukrainian Union of Jewish Students.
"Meeting with the Jewish community was a profoundly moving experience for the delegation," said AJC Executive Director David Harris. "It is inspiring to witness how vibrant Jewish life has returned to a land where Jews experienced such horrendous tragedies in the 20th century, including the Nazi massacre at Babi Yar in Kyiv," added Harris.
The AJC delegation visited Babi Yar and recited the Mourner's Kaddish for the tens of thousands of Jews murdered there in the fall of 1941 by occupying Nazi forces and local collaborators.
The discussion with Ukrainian officials focused on the bilateral relationship with the United States, following the visit to Kyiv last week of U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and with Israel. High on the agenda was a shared concern about Iran's ominous nuclear program and continued defiance of the will of the international community.
Moreover, the delegation discussed a pilot project, involving AJC, Germany and local participants, to identify and protect mass graves of Jews from the Holocaust in Ukraine. The project was triggered by the laudable work of Father Patrick Desbois, a Catholic priest, who was honored by AJC four years ago for his commitment to the protection of Holocaust memory.
"AJC appreciates Ukraine's support for Israel," said Harris. "In particular, AJC applauds Ukraine's vote at the UN against the infamous Goldstone Report, as well as the forthcoming agreement for a visa-free agreement with Israel.
The accord is expected to boost bilateral tourism and trade."
"For AJC, Ukraine has been an important country since the re-establishment of its independence in 1991, a step we actively supported," concluded Harris. "That's why we have visited regularly and sought to be helpful, including in the successful 'graduation' of Ukraine by the U.S. Congress from the Jackson-Vanik Amendment. Ukraine is a large country with vast potential, is home to a large Jewish community and a rich Jewish heritage that is slowly being reclaimed, and has important links with Israel."
Prior to Kyiv, the AJC group was in Azerbaijan for meetings with President Ilham Aliyev and senior officials of his government, as well as American and Israel diplomats.
July 5, 2010
AJC Leadership Delegation Visits Azerbaijan
Baku, Azerbaijan
An AJC leadership delegation just concluded a two-day visit to Azerbaijan.
The 11-member group met for an hour with President Ilham Aliyev on Sunday at his seaside residence outside Baku, the nation's capital. Just prior to the meeting with AJC, President Aliyev welcomed U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to the estate.
The group also met with Azerbaijan's Deputy Foreign Minister Vaqif Sadiqov, Speaker of the Parliament Oktay Asadov, Israeli Ambassador Michael Lavon-Lotem, outgoing American Charge d'Affaires Donald Lu, incoming Charge d'Affaires Adam Sterling, and other officials.
The visit was given significant media coverage in Azerbaijan and on the country's international television station, which broadcasts in Russian, Farsi and other languages.
This was AJC's second trip to Baku in the past two years. The earlier visit took place in August 2008. In January 2008, AJC met privately with President Aliyev at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. At that time, the Azerbaijani leader invited AJC to pay a visit Baku.
"Azerbaijan is a critically important country," said AJC Executive Director David Harris. "We were delighted to be there at the same time as U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and a month after U.S.
Defense Secretary Robert Gates, underscoring Washington's deep interest."
"It is important for Americans to understand the key role that Azerbaijan today plays in our nation's counter-terrorism efforts, energy security, and military operations in Afghanistan," added Harris. "And
Jews and friends of Israel need to be aware of the long and rich history of the Jewish community in Azerbaijan, and of the country's close and mutually beneficial ties with Israel."
In the course of the extensive conversations, Azerbaijani officials shared their strong interest in resolving the long-standing conflict over territory occupied by Armenia for more than 15 years and their
frustration with the efforts to date. For its part, AJC raised concerns about the Iranian nuclear program and support for international terrorism. Azerbaijan shares a 350-mile border with Iran to its south. Iran was widely reported to have been involved in a foiled plot two years ago to attack Israeli diplomats in Baku.
"We were very warmly and graciously received by our Azerbaijani hosts," Harris said. "Given the importance we attach to Azerbaijan, we shall look forward to our next visit and to frequent contact in between."
July 4, 2010
Azerbaijan News Agency on AJC meeting with President Aliyev
Azerbaijani President receives executive director of American Jewish Committee
04.07.2010 21:51
President Ilham Aliyev has today received Executive Director of the American Jewish Committee David Allan Harris and his accompanying delegation, AzerTAj state news agency reported.
The Head of State expressed hope that the visit of the delegation would be successful and provide opportunities to learn more about Azerbaijan.
David A. Harris noted Azerbaijan is an important country for the United States, saying "we, friends of Azerbaijan, realize this country`s political, strategic and cultural importance for the U.S". He pointed his visit comes after US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton`s trip to Azerbaijan. According to Harris, these visits are the indicator of expanding US-Azerbaijan ties.
President Ilham Aliyev noted US-Azerbaijan relationship is developing successfully in a variety of fields. Both countries have built effective cooperation in the political, economic energy and other fields. Azerbaijan and the United States are partners in counterterrorism operations.
The Head of State underscored the importance of bilateral relations in terms of regional cooperation.
President Ilham Aliyev touched upon the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. He told of Armenia`s military aggression against Azerbaijan, peace talks and country`s stance on the resolution of the dispute based on international legal principles.
Ilham Aliyev said Azerbaijanis and Jews have lived in peace and harmony for centuries. Jews living in Azerbaijan contribute to development of the country and it is, according to the President, a good factor reflecting "our relations".
June 13
Director of Russian Jewish Affairs Sam Kliger, AJC Director of Inter Religious Affairs Garry Greenebaum and Rabbi Noam Marans attended the Christians United for Israel Rally in Brooklyn, NY.
June 7
Leaders of the Russian-Jewish community and head of Russian-Jewish Affairs at AJC, Sam Kliger met with the Foreign Minister of the State of Israel Avigdor Liberman.
June 6
The Sea Breeze Jewish Center celebrated the opening of the Ezra USA Dimitry Salita Youth Center. AJC Director of Russian Jewish Affairs, Sam Kliger was in attendance.
May 30
Dr. Sam Kliger, spoke at the Principles of Diplomatic Outreach education session hosted by Ezra USA at the Sea Breeze Jewish Center in Brooklyn, NY.
Meeting with the AzerbaijanState Committee on Diaspora Affairs Consultant, Samir Mehtiyev
Director of Russian-Jewish Affairs Sam Kliger met with Azerbaijan State Committee on Diaspora Affairs Consultant Samir Mehtiyev. They discussed plans for the upcoming AJC Diplomatic Mission to Azerbaijan.
May 24
Azerbaijan Permanent Mission to the U.N. Celebrates Azerbaijan Independence Day
The Russian Division of AJC attended a celebration honoring Azerbaijani Independence(May 28).
Ambassador of Azerbaijan to the U.N. Agshin Mehdiyev and Director of Russian-Jewish Affairs Sam Kliger
Ambassador of Ukraine to the U.N. Yuriy Sergeyev and Sam Kliger
Ambassador of Moldova to the U.N. Alexandru Cujba and Sam Kliger
May 23
Salute to Israel Parade
AJC participated in The Salute to Israel Parade along Fifth Avenue in New York City. This event celebrated the Anniversary of Israel's Independence.
May 11
Conference with Bukharian Jewish Young Leadership Program
Dr. Sam Kliger, spoke at the final workshop of the “Kalohtar” Leadership program. 16 participants met ten times over a month to prepare themselves in becoming “Kalohtars” or leaders in the Bukharian Jewish Community. The Conference was organized by the Bukharian Jewish Youth Association along with the Jewish Child Care Association.
Sam Kliger with members of "Kalohtar"
May 6
AJC attends reception at the Russian Mission to the United Nations dedicated to Victory Day
Sam Kliger attended the Russian Mission to the UN. This event was organized to commemorate the 65th anniversary of Victory Day (May 9th). Victory Day marks the end of the Second World War in Europe, when Nazi Germany capitulated to the Allies. The Russian Ambassador to the U.N. and 10 other Ambassadors from the countries of the former Soviet Union were in attendance.
April 28-30
AJC Annual Meeting
April 28 and 30th, AJC held its 104thAnnual Meeting. It is organized annually to promote knowledge, education and open debate between AJC members, Board of Governors, political leaders, diplomats, scholars, and representatives of the Jewish communities around the globe. On April 28th, AJC Russian Division organized a lunch with the Ambassador of Azerbaijan, Yaşhar Aliyev. In the evening, AJC delegation visited the Ukrainian Embassy to the United States and had dinner with Ambassador, Oleh Shamshur. On April 30th, AJC Russian Division organized a panel discussion on Russian-Jewish identity and integration.
March 25
AJC Diplomatic Seder
AJC’s New York Chapter held its 17th Annual Diplomatic Model Seder. AJC has long engaged in a joint effort with New York’s diplomatic leadership to deepen mutual understanding between American Jews and the diplomatic community. This opportunity was pertinent for AJC because it allowed us to share an evening of Jewish ritual and culture with the diplomats. This effort of education will share an important part of Jewish life with the diplomats. At the Diplomatic Model Seder, there were 117 lay leaders and 87 diplomats in attendance.
AJC’s Executive Director, David Harris
Counselor of the Permanent Mission of Ukraine to the U.N., Yuriy Vitrenko
Counselor of the Permanent Mission of Belarus to the U.N., Alexander Calita
Diplomatic Seder
March 16
Concluding session of Russian Leadership Conference
AJC concluded its renowned Russian Leadership Training Program with David Harris speaking to the participants. The program, in its 14th year, was intended to educate potential leaders in becoming more active in AJC and Russian speaking Jewish communities. 20 participants received their diplomas after hearing AJC Executive Director David Harris. Over eight weeks, beginning January 13, the group learned about Israeli American relations, anti-Semitism, Jewish diplomacy and Russian Jewish communities around the globe. The graduates come out of the program ready to engage their Russian speaking Jewish Communities on social, political and communal issues most pressing to the Jewish community. Click for more Pictures
AJC’s Executive Director David Harris and Sam Kliger
March 4
Conference on Sub-Ethnic Jews
AJC, along with the Jewish Community Relation Council (JCRC) held the Conference on Sub-Ethnic Jews from the Former Soviet Union. Director of Russian Jewish Affairs Dr. Sam Kliger spoke at the Conference, which addressed the relationships between Sub-Ethnic Jews in New York. Dr. Kliger spoke about the resilient bond that holds all Jews together. The desire to live in security and see Israel strong while still preserving their religion and customs is an idea by which all Jews are united. There are no serious tensions between the Sub- Ethnic Jewish groups in the New York area because of the strength of the bond that ties them.
February 4
The Legacy and Consequences of Jackson-Vanik:
Reassessing Human Rights in 21st Century Russia
Kennan Institute, WoodrowWilsonInternationalCenter for Scholars
Washington, D.C.
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, WoodrowWilsonInternationalCenter for Scholars
Washington, D.C.
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
AJC’s ACCESSNY 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
LimmudNY Conference 2010
From January 15 to January 18, LimmudNY 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
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.
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