By Matt Underwood Putin’s recent comments blaming Jews for the internal fracturing of the Russian Orthodox Church represent a disturbing resurgence of age-old antisemitic tropes. This isn’t a new phenomenon; antisemitism has always lurked beneath the surface of Russian society, a fact underscored by historical events like the publication of “The Protocols of the Elders of Zion.” This latest accusation, however, is particularly striking given its timing and context.
The accusation arrives amidst a backdrop of Russia’s setbacks in Ukraine and its dwindling influence on the global stage. Russia’s failures in Syria, its inability to fully support its remaining allies, and the ongoing war in Ukraine have undoubtedly shaken its standing and are likely fueling a desperate search for a convenient scapegoat. In this climate, the Jewish community has, once again, become a target.
This antisemitic narrative is especially ironic given Putin’s previous justifications for the invasion of Ukraine, which included claims of battling Nazis who were persecuting Jews. This blatant contradiction highlights the cynical and opportunistic nature of Putin’s rhetoric, showcasing how readily he will exploit existing prejudices for political gain. It’s a clear case of twisting historical narratives to serve a current political agenda.
The choice to target Jews isn’t accidental. The “rootless cosmopolitan” trope, historically used to demonize Jews, appears here, once again highlighting their vulnerability as a scapegoat for wider societal problems. This tactic seeks to portray Jews as outsiders, lacking loyalty to Russia and undermining its institutions. Such statements effectively deflect attention from Russia’s internal issues and its disastrous military strategies.
Furthermore, the implication that Jews are actively dismantling the Russian Orthodox Church, a powerful institution closely aligned with the Russian state, further underscores the dangerous nature of this rhetoric. It’s an attempt to stir up nationalist fervor and consolidate power by unifying the population against a perceived external enemy. This approach plays on existing prejudices and deep-seated biases within Russia, exploiting the population’s vulnerability to fear-mongering.
The timing also suggests a deliberate attempt to shift public attention away from the failures of the war and the economic difficulties Russia is currently experiencing. The internal instability and the loss of standing on the world stage create fertile ground for the spread of such divisive and destructive narratives. By focusing on an easily identifiable minority group, Putin seeks to distract from the real issues plaguing his nation.
This is not just an issue of political rhetoric; it’s a dangerous incitement to hatred that has historically resulted in violence and persecution. The casual resurrection of such hateful tropes should be viewed with profound alarm. It carries the risk of further emboldening antisemitic sentiments within Russian society and beyond. Such statements, especially from a figure of Putin’s power and influence, cannot be dismissed lightly.
The blatant hypocrisy of these accusations cannot be ignored. Accusing others of Nazism while simultaneously echoing the language and tactics of historical antisemitic regimes is a stark reminder of the dangers of unchecked power and the enduring threat of prejudice. The fact that Putin, in the past, has even attempted to portray himself as belonging to various minority groups, only to now use antisemitic rhetoric for political gain, showcases the depths of his cynicism and disregard for truth. It’s a profound case of doublethink, a deliberate embrace of logical inconsistencies to manipulate public opinion.
The implications of this turn towards antisemitism extend far beyond Russia’s borders. It provides further evidence of the erosion of international norms and the resurgence of dangerous ideologies. This is a global issue, not just a Russian one, and requires international attention and condemnation. It’s a potent reminder that the fight against antisemitism is a continuous struggle, requiring constant vigilance and unwavering opposition to any expression of such hatred. The world must remain steadfast in its condemnation of such dangerous rhetoric and stand firmly against the rise of any form of hate speech.