DLUGY: How would you describe the situation for Jews in Russia today? SHAEVICH: The situation is very difficult. Figures tell the story: since last August, the number of Jews leaving Russia has increased. And that’s not just tied to the economic deterioration, because we’ve spent all of our lives [like that]. We’ve never lived well in the Soviet Union. What’s scary is this naked, vicious chauvinism, nationalism, anti-Semitism that is not prosecuted or punished. People are afraid, afraid for their lives and for the lives of their children, and naturally they are taking measures. They believe no one– not the government, not the president, not the Parliament. There is absolutely no faith or trust in government structures.
Does the situation scare you? Of course it scares me. In the current situation, anything is possible.
If a Russian Jew with an opportunity to leave Russia asked for your advice on doing so, how would you counsel him? You know, the times have passed when people asked for advice on whether to leave or not. Today people ask for help in the logistics of leaving. Not to Israel, because it’s easy to go to Israel, but to Germany, America, Canada, Australia–any country in the world. That’s what people ask for today. If there is a danger to your life, then you shouldn’t even think about it. You should just leave.
Do you think such a threat exists today for Jews in Russia? The situation varies in different regions of Russia. People outside Moscow probably have it harder, because Moscow is the center and under control and because of the mayor’s attitude toward such things. On this topic I’m an optimist, I guess. I hope there won’t be any bloody happenings. You hope that life works out here, that people can live under normal circumstances. Because from my talks with people in [Jewish] communities all over Russia, I can’t say that the majority of Jews want to leave. Those who wanted to leave have long since left. Many would like to live here and feel normal here. If the government acted like a government, if the government helped its citizens, then many would stay.
Albert Makashov has been making anti-Semitic remarks since last autumn, seemingly unchecked. What should be done? That’s where you see the unwillingness or helplessness of government. We have a good law that foresees punishment for inflaming feelings against one nationality, against insulting one nationality. You don’t need anything else. Invoke this law and mete out the appropriate punishment.
Why the lack of punishment? He’s a deputy, and three quarters of our Duma consists of the same Makashovs. Practically the whole communist faction. It’s clear that they’re on his side and will never give him up, will never take away his deputy immunity. Because he says out loud what they are thinking to themselves. The government doesn’t have the power to do anything, and I don’t even think that it has much of a desire either.
Why no desire? They’re so preoccupied with the battle for power among themselves that they don’t have much time for anyone else.
What are your thoughts on the future? It all depends on my state of mind, but generally it varies from pessimistic to very pessimistic. No one can predict the immediate future here–not just if there is a future for Jews in Russia. I don’t know if there is a future for Russians in Russia. Because under the current situation, Russia can fall apart as easily as the Soviet Union once fell apart.
Why are you here? Why don’t you leave? I had an opportunity to leave a long time ago. For many years I was the only rabbi in the Soviet Union. The [Jewish] community here sent me to study in Hungary. I was the first rabbi who received his diploma under the Soviets, they waited for me here, I couldn’t let down the people who sent me. And this responsibility has always kept me here. Today I’m more than 60, I can just retire, but I feel that I’m still needed here. In Israel there are plenty of people who can help. But here there aren’t. And Jews need help here.
