YERUSHALAYIM — In a concerning development, Rabbi Pinchas Goldschmidt, the acting president of the Conference of European Rabbis, has been labeled a foreign agent by the Russian Justice Ministry. This announcement comes as the latest blow to religious freedom in the country.

Rabbi Goldschmidt, who had served as Moscow’s Chief Rabbi for three decades, departed from his post after refusing to endorse Russia’s military intervention in Ukraine. The Russian Justice Ministry issued an official document accusing Rabbi Goldschmidt of spreading false information about decisions made by Russian authorities and opposing the country’s military operation in Ukraine.

This declaration marks a troubling event, as the last time a Rabbi was labeled an enemy of the state in Russia was during the autocratic rule of Joseph Stalin. At that time, Moscow’s Chief Rabbi Shmarya Yehuda Leib Medalia was arrested and subsequently executed.

Responding to the accusations, Rabbi Goldschmidt stated, “I take pride in standing on the right side of history and joining the list of individuals opposing this devastating war that has claimed the lives of hundreds of thousands. For 30 years, I nurtured and protected Moscow’s Jewish community, and no decision will hinder me from continuing to do so.”

He further expressed concern about the state of Russia, stating, “The country has taken a turn for the worse. This marks the first instance during the ongoing conflict where a religious leader has been designated a foreign agent and identified by the Russian government as a hostile threat.”

Rabbi Goldschmidt went on to warn, “It is highly likely that this will spark a new wave of anti-Semitic campaign targeting the Jewish community in Russia. I have previously urged the local Jewish community to consider leaving the country before it’s too late.”

Having served as Moscow’s Chief Rabbi for 33 years, Rabbi Goldschmidt’s decision to leave the country following the outbreak of the Ukrainian war was based on his refusal to endorse the conflict. The recent designation of Rabbi Goldschmidt as a foreign agent underscores the increasing challenges faced by religious leaders and communities in Russia, raising concerns about religious freedom and tolerance in the country.

Source: Hamodia