Chief Rabbi of Russia Berel Lazar condemned Chechnya’s Mufti Salah-Haji Mezhiev for making antisemitic comments during a televised discussion on Chechen History – War and Peace, broadcast on the Chechen state channel.

In the program, Mezhiev claimed that Jews, along with movements they supposedly created such as atheism, have always been “enemies of Allah.” His words were featured prominently on the official website of the Chechen government news agency Grozny-Inform. Mezhiev is a recipient of Russia’s state honor, the “Order of Friendship.”

Russia’s Chief Rabbi and Shliach, Rabbi Berel Lazar, strongly denounced the Mufti’s statements, describing them as “deeply offensive, dangerous, and shameful.” He said they represent “a painful insult to the Jewish people and to our faith,” and warned that “such language threatens the fragile peace that exists among Russia’s traditional religions.”

“Thanks to the consistent policies of the Russian government and the wise guidance of religious leaders, we have created a unique reality — not only of interfaith peace, but of genuine friendship and mutual respect,” Rabbi Lazar said. “The Mufti’s words undermine everything that has been achieved and strike at the foundation of Russia’s stability and shared moral values.”

Rabbi Lazar cautioned that rhetoric of this kind could easily incite violence. “It is frighteningly easy to destroy everything,” he said, “if even one fanatic or a handful of reckless people take such words as a call to action. We have already seen where such hatred leads — Europe offers too many examples.”

Rabbi Lazar expressed particular disappointment that these remarks came from Chechnya, a region where Jews and Muslims historically enjoyed warm relations. He recalled that during the Stalinist deportations, when Chechens were expelled from their homes, Jews helped defend their neighbors’ property. “To hear such words now, from a place that once symbolized friendship and loyalty between communities, is deeply painful,” he said.

He noted that the Mufti’s statements contradict the official position of Russia’s Muslim leadership, which works to strengthen dialogue and respect between religions. “I hope that leading Muslim figures in Russia will firmly and publicly reject these antisemitic comments and reaffirm their commitment to peace among all who believe in the One Creator,” Rabbi Lazar said. “We Jews view Islam as a faith of peace and tolerance. Those who misunderstand our path are welcome to come and learn how Jews live — and how we uphold the values of true faith.”

Following Rabbi Lazar’s statement, Grozny-Inform quietly edited its article and removed the Mufti’s antisemitic remarks.

As of now, neither the Russian nor the Chechen authorities have issued an official response to the incident.