In Russia, a Jewish exhibition in St. Petersburg was closed on Holocaust Remembrance Day. They decided that it was “more appropriate” to present the Caucasus, “Novorossiya” and Crimea

“… It is more expedient to present the North Caucasus, Novorossia, and Crimea in the museum today,” said the Director of the Russian Ethnographic Museum, Julia Kupina.

The question of why the hall was closed specifically on January 27, 2025 (on the day of remembrance for the victims of the Holocaust), was suggested by the director to the department of external relations of the museum.

Russia continues anti-Semitic policies: on the day of remembrance for the victims of the Holocaust in St. Petersburg, an exhibition about Jewish culture was closed

However, Israel is urging Russian Jews to come more…

Israel must remember: Russia’s anti-Semitism is a systematic policy

In St. Petersburg, the Russian Ethnographic Museum closed an exhibition dedicated to the history and culture of the Jewish people on the day of remembrance for the victims of the Holocaust. The museum’s administration referred to this action as “reformatting,” proposing to replace the Jewish exhibition with one dedicated to the Caucasus, Novorossiya, and Crimea—regions utilized in Russia’s imperial propaganda. This decision has sparked outrage within the Jewish community and serves as further evidence of the Kremlin’s escalating anti-Semitic policies.

Anti-Semitism in Russia: new forms, old roots

The closure of the hall housing the only significant exhibition detailing Jewish culture is not coincidental. Rather, it represents a continuation of Moscow’s efforts to rewrite history and eliminate anything that contradicts Kremlin propaganda.

The symbolism of the date

The exhibition was closed on January 27, the date designated to remember the victims of the Holocaust. On this day, the world honors the memory of six million Jews murdered by the Nazis. Instead of commemorating the tragedy of the Holocaust, Russia opted to demolish the last remaining significant space for Jewish exhibitions in St. Petersburg.

Attempts to erase Jewish history

According to Valery Dymshitsa, head of the Petersburg Judaic Scientific Center at the European University, this exhibition was established as a temporary substitute for a full-fledged Jewish Museum in St. Petersburg that Putin had promised to open. However, similar to many other initiatives aimed at acknowledging historical truth, this museum was never built.

The museum turns into a propaganda tool

The museum’s director, Julia Kupina, explained that the “Jewish collections” have not been entirely removed but merely “relocated to different halls” because “Jews do not live in one place.” However, this rationale is absurd; Jewish culture and history should not be dispersed among exhibits focused on the Caucasus or Crimea.

Historical revanchism of Russia: What lies ahead?

In recent years, Russia has not only denied the crimes of its imperial and Soviet history but has also sought to erase Jewish heritage. This marks yet another instance of Kremlin anti-Semitic policy:

• Closure of the Jewish agency “Keren Hayesod”
• Pursuit of Jewish organizations and activists
• Promotion of anti-Semitic narratives by state media
• Accusations of Jews for “inciting” protests in Russia

Previously, Russian officials and propagandists have accused Israel of “supporting the Nazis,” distorting reality to justify their actions in Ukraine. Now, the Kremlin is attempting to erase the memory of Jews who have been part of Russian history, yet do not conform to its imperial ambitions.

Israel should take heed

For Israel, the message should be crystal clear: Russia remains a hostile state towards Jews. Today, the Kremlin closes Jewish exhibitions; tomorrow it may persecute Jews and support terrorist organizations like Hamas.

Ukraine has also faced the erasure of its identity: the Russian army is destroying Ukrainian cities and obliterating monuments, cultural centers, and historical sites. Anti-Semitism and aggression against Ukrainian culture are interconnected manifestations of the same Moscow-led policy.

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