Russian Prime Minister Viktor Chernomyrdin has condemned the recent bombings of two synagogues in Russia.
The premier’s statement was included in his Rosh Hashanah message to the country’s Jewish community.
“I’m using this opportunity to express my indignation about recent terrorist explosions at the synagogues in Moscow and Yaroslavl,” Chernomyrdin said.
He called synagogues Russia’s “national sacred places” and said that “an end should be put” to their desecration.
Chernomyrdin’s statement was the first public comment by a Russian official on the April bombing of the synagogue in Yaroslavl and last month’s attack on the recently reopened Lubavitch synagogue in Moscow.
The attacks caused no injuries, but both buildings were seriously damaged.
No one has claimed responsibility for either bombing.
Jewish leaders hailed the premier’s message.
“I’m happy that we received such a response from the prime minister,” said Pinchas Goldschmidt, chief rabbi of Moscow.
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
