Russia’s Chief Rabbi Cancels Purim Festivities in Wake of Moscow Attack

Russia’s Chief Rabbi Berel Lazar instructed all the Jewish communities in Russia to cancel their Purim celebrations with music on Motzei Shabbos and Sunday in the wake of the deadly terror attack in Moscow on Friday night that killed at least 133 and injured over 100, with dozens in critical condition.

Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke on Saturday and claimed that the attack is linked to Ukraine. However, US intelligence agencies have confirmed that ISIS was responsible for the attack and said that it warned Russia of an imminent attack. Putin declared Sunday a day of national mourning.

Rabbi Lazar instructed communities to instead increase their activities to fulfill the mitzvos of Purim b’hiddur, including Kriyas HaMegillah, mishloach manos, and especially matanos l’evyonim to all Jews, including those in medical centers and prisons.

Upon learning on Shabbos night of the severe tragedy that Moscow experienced, the Chief Rabbi responded the following to the many media outlets in Russia with these words:
“The news of the disaster in Moscow causes us and our entire community a feeling of great sorrow. We share in the grief of the victims’ families and pray for the recovery of the injured.

“​The terrorist attack in our capital took place on the eve of Purim – a holiday where we remember the fate of our ancestors, who also faced the threat of destruction, and thank God for saving the innocent and punishing the criminals. The holiday of Purim teaches us that God wants us first of all to show unity in ourselves, to stand by the other’s side. When the forces of good are united, the forces of evil, hatred and fanaticism will be completely defeated.

“Now we all mourn the victims. Therefore, all concerts and joyous events planned for Purim are cancelled. But it is all the more important to observe the mitzvot of Purim, because they are intended precisely to strengthen our unity. That is why I call on all Jews to gather tonight and tomorrow in synagogues and community centers to read the Book of Esther and observe all the mitzvot of the holiday.

And thanks to this, we will be assured that God will help us and protect us from the evil Haman of our generation.”