After the publication of the article by the assistant head of the Russian National Assembly, Alexei Pavlov, which included serious anti-Semitic statements, including the designation of Chabad Hasidism as a “neo-pagan sect” – the letter of the head of the Russian National Assembly, Nikolai Petrushev, was published today on the website where the article was published. He completely disavows his assistant’s words.
The editors of AiF received a letter today from the Secretary of the Security Council of Russia, Nikolai Petrushev, in which he says, among other things, the following:
“The article by Assistant Secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation A.A. Pavlov, which was published, contained incorrect lines about Lubavitcher followers. I apologize to the readers of the publication and would like to point out that this interpretation reflects the personal point of view of A.A. Pavlov and in no way constitutes and the official position of the Security Council of the Russian Federation”. And at the end of the letter he writes: “Relevant work was done with the author of the article.”
As I recall, upon learning of the blasphemy that had been written, the Chief Rabbi of Russia, Rabbi Berel Lazar Shlita, published a scathing letter of response, in which he wrote: “What is really happening in the religious life of the neighboring country, I do not know for sure – but, unfortunately, the article contains a position which is difficult to perceive otherwise – than an insult to millions of believing Jews, including the vast majority of Jews in Russia.
“The main life principle of the Lubavitcher followers is the supremacy of the sect’s supporters over all nations,” claims Mr. Pavlov without basis.
The rabbi ended his letter with these poignant words:
“Mr. Pavlov’s logic can be called nonsense, vulgar and passing anti-Semitism, but this is a new type of old bloody slanders and if they are uttered by a member of the Russian Security Council, this poses a huge danger, therefore, we demand an immediate and unequivocal response from society and the state authorities”.
Indeed, following this letter that was published and aroused great interest in all media in Russia and abroad, the clear apology arrived.