Amid growing concern in Russia about the rise of anti-Semitism, the leader of the Russian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Alexei II, has condemned anti-Semitic statements by Gen. Albert Makashov, a radical Communist deputy in the State Duma.
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During a recent rally, Makashov blamed Jews for Russia's economic and political turmoil. "I will round up all the (Jews) and send them to the next world," Makashov shouted. Anti-Semitic slogans were also prominent during the rallies, held to commemorate the 81st anniversary of the Bolshevik revolution.Patriarch Alexei told reporters on Tuesday that the Russian Orthodox Church opposed all attempts to stir up prejudice on "nationalist or religious grounds."