14 Facts About Berel Lazar

In September 2005 Lazar became a member of the Public Chamber of Russia.

Since 1990 Berel Lazar has been rabbi of the synagogue in Maryina roshcha District of Moscow.

In 1992 Berel Lazar became acquainted with Israeli diamantaire Lev Leviev, who introduced him to Russian businessmen Boris Berezovsky and Roman Abramovich.

In 1992, Berel Lazar was appointed chairman of the Rabbinical Alliance of the Commonwealth of Independent States.

In early 1990s Berel Lazar participated in activity of Congress of the Jewish Religious Organizations and Associations in Russia, was an active participant of founding congress of Russian Jewish Congress in 1996 and even was a member of RJC Presidium.

On May 29,2000 Berel Lazar became a citizen of Russia, while retaining his US citizenship.

In 2000, Berel Lazar was appointed to Russia's Council for Coordination of Religious Associations.

In 2002, Berel Lazar was elected the Chairman of the Rabbinical Council of the World Congress of Russian Jewry.

On March 20,2001 under instruction of the President Vladimir Putin, Berel Lazar was included in the Presidential Council for Interaction with Religious Organizations and Unions; simultaneously Shayevich was excluded from the Council.

Berel Lazar spoke out against the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, called Russia to withdraw and for an end to the war, and offered to mediate.

Berel Lazar is an advocate of interfaith dialogue and sits on the Board of World Religious Leaders for The Elijah Interfaith Institute.

Berel Lazar received the medal during the 19th session of the Russian 'Pobeda' Organizational Committee.

Berel Lazar's speech was followed by Lazar awarding Putin the so-called Salvation Medal as a symbol of "the Jewish people's gratitude" to Russia for liberating the camp.

Berel Lazar receives an Order "For Merit to the Fatherland" from President Putin, 31 July 2014.