Israel tries to prevent the closing of the Jewish Agency in Russia
A sign at the entrance to a Russian branch of the Jewish Agency for Israel, in Moscow, Russia, July 21, 2022. REUTERS - EVGENIA NOVOZHENINA
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In particular, the Russian authorities are asking for explanations on the activities of the Jewish Agency's emissaries in their country, which would go beyond the legal framework.
Allegations rejected in Israel.
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With our correspondent in Jerusalem
,
Michel Paul
Israel opts for the diplomatic way to try to iron out the dispute with Moscow.
The Russian Ministry of Justice has requested the dissolution on its soil of the Jewish Agency, responsible for helping the emigration to Israel of people of Jewish origin and their families.
Prime Minister Yair Lapid stresses that his country will continue to act so that the work of the organization does not stop.
And Agency officials reject accusations that its emissaries violate Russian law.
"
It's quite ridiculous, of course,
reacts Ygal Palmor, the organization's spokesperson.
We were summoned on 28 [July] for the start of the procedure.
A delegation of legal advisers will travel to Moscow.
We'll see how it continues.
These disputes with Russian justice are never simple.
»
The details of the Russian request remain unclear, it is believed in Israel.
Relations between Israel and Russia are going through an episode of tension linked to the war in Ukraine.
Israeli leaders trying to navigate this conflict as closely as possible have drawn criticism from both sides.
More than one million Jews from the former USSR now live in Israel.
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Yair Lapid