Leaders of Muslim communities in Russia expressed outrage at the statement of the Chief Rabbi of Russia about the co-chairman of the Council of Muftis

Leaders of Muslim communities in Russia protested to Chief Rabbi of Russia Berl Lazar. In early February, he expressed regret over the fact that Nafigulla Ashirov, co-chairman of the Russian Council of Muftis, continues to hold his post. B. Lazar's statement was related to one of N. Ashirov's comments on the situation in the Gaza Strip. After the aggression in the Gaza Strip, the RMC co-chairman criticized the State of Israel, noting in particular that the Israeli authorities "virtually turned the Gaza Strip into a concentration camp by imposing a severe blockade." "We believe that there are radical forces in the Council of Muftis of Russia, and Mr. Gainutdin, unfortunately, does not control the situation," said . Berl Lazar

Mufti of the Urals Federal District Alfrid Mustafin stated in this regard: "Berl Lazar has no moral right to dictate his will to Muslims. This is tantamount to the RMC interfering in the affairs of the FJC. Representatives of the Jewish community need to respond more adequately to criticism and draw constructive conclusions." .

The head of the Spiritual Board of Muslims of Karelia, Visam Bardvil, also criticized B. Lazar's statement. "We need to build relations as citizens of one state where there are common interests, and not create artificial barriers. And, of course, no one has the right to interfere in the internal affairs of the Council of Muftis of Russia. The RMC is an independent organization."

Fatykh Garifullin, the Muslim leader of the Tyumen region, believes that "the statement of the head of the Jewish community, Berl Lazar, is incorrect."

Sources

• B. Lazar is accused of interfering in the internal affairs of the Muslim community // Islam.ru. 2009. February 11.
• Jews will teach Muslims and Christians personnel policy // IA Islamnews. 2009. February 5.
• Wedge B. 20 years together // News. 2009. February 4.