Maria Zakhrova, director of Information and Press Department of the Russian Foreign Affairs Ministry and the Ministry’s official representative, displayed blatant Antisemitism in her comments on the U.S. presidential elections. On November 13, 2016, she explained on the Russian TV (Channel 1) talk-show “Sunday Evening” (hosted by Vladimir Soloviev) that the Jews and their money were the decisive factor in the victory of the Republican candidate Donald Trump.
She said: “If you want to know what will happen in America, to whom do you have to talk? Naturally, you should talk to the Jews. Of course!” Then, carefully parodying the Jewish accent in Russian by burring the letter “r”, she continued: “They told me [in the U.S.]: ‘Marochka” [supposedly, the name “Maria” in Yiddish], you know, we, of course, will give [money to] Clinton. But to the Republicans, we will give twice as much.’ That’s all! The question was closed. So, if you want to know the future, do not read mainstream newspapers. In Brighton [Beach, New York], our people will tell you everything!” The demonstrations in many U.S. cities against President-elect Trump she mentioned as “pogroms.”
The Israel’s agency NEWSru.co.il filed a request for comments on the subject to the Russian Foreign Ministry, whether Zakharova’s view on the decisive influence of Jewish money on the outcome of the elections in the United States is the official Russian position. The request was ignored. In addition, the agency tried to learn from Israel’s Foreign Ministry whether it considers Zakharova’s statement to be anti-Semitic, and if it is going to demand an apology. Press service of the Ministry stated that the Foreign Ministry of Israel would not comment on the statement of the official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry.