Russia bans activity of Jewish Agency Sohnut

The Jewish Agency (Sohnut) received a letter demanding to stop its activities in Russia, Report informs, citing newsru.co.il.

Israeli Minister of Aliyah and Integration Pnina Tameno-Shete said: "I was informed this morning about the decision of the Russian Ministry of Justice. It is common knowledge that the Jewish Agency Sohnut is an important part of the government and the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration for the repatriation of Jews from all over the world to the State of Israel. And we need to make sure that their field of activity remains as it has been for many years. I have called on the Prime Minister to work with the leadership of Russia to solve the problem, and I want to support the Jewish community in Russia, which at this time should be concerned about the consequences of the decision taken. Aliyah is the fundamental right of the Jews of Russia, and we will make sure that it is preserved as such."

On July 5, The Jerusalem Post reported that the Russian government had demanded that the leadership of the Jewish Agency (Sohnut) stop its activities in the Russian Federation.

The organization confirmed the fact of receiving such a letter but declined to comment on the response, since the response is now being coordinated by the Sohnut leadership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Office of the Prime Minister of Israel.