[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 33 (Wednesday, March 3, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E326]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                        ANTI-SEMITISM IN RUSSIA

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                          HON. STENY H. HOYER

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 3, 1999

  Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring to the attention of 
this House most disturbing developments in Russia. Anti-Semitism rears 
its ugly head in public statements blaming Russia's current problems on 
the ``Yids''--statements not being made by neo-Nazi organizations or 
fringe groups, but rather by members of the Russian parliament.
  In November and December of last year, two prominent Communist Party 
members of the Duma, Albert Makashob and Viktor Ilyukhin, blamed ``the 
Yids'' and president Yeltsin's ``Jewish Entourage'' for Russia's 
current problems. Duma Defense Committee Member Ilyukhin alleged that 
President Yeltsin had committed ``genocide against the Russian people'' 
with the help of Jewish advisors. Equally as disturbing is the fact 
that the chairman of the Communist Party did not rebuke his party 
members for their actions, rather, he made excuses for their remarks.
  Sadly, Mr. Makashov continues on his rabid crusade. I have received 
reports that on February 22, while addressing a meeting of Cossacks in 
the southern Rostov region of Russia, Duma Deputy Makashov declared 
that an organization which he heads, the Movement in Support of the 
Army, was really the ``Movement against the Yids,'' and called Jews 
``impudent and repulsive people.''
  In December of last year, Curt Weldon, myself and others met with our 
colleagues in the Duma and expressed our great dismay about the anti-
Semitic statements. In fact, many members of the Duma, as well as 
President Yeltsin, have condemned Makashov and Ilyukhin. Unfortunately, 
many Members have simply made excuses. What kind of message does this 
send to the Russian people at such a critical time?
  Mr. Speaker, these comments by leaders of the Russian people are 
despicable and must be condemned. I have joined with Chairman Chris 
Smith and other members of the Helsinki Commission in introducing H. 
Con. Res. 37, which does exactly that, and I urge my colleagues to 
support it.
  Mr. Speaker, looking for scapegoats will not resolve Russia's current 
crisis. More importantly, the promotion of hatred, anti-Semitism and 
xenophobia will not further the development of a peaceful, just and 
prosperous society for the Russian people. Democracy is not built on 
racism.

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