Gorbachev Urges Jewish Leaders in U.S. to Back Russian Reforms

Mikhail S. Gorbachev, the Soviet leader who dramatically loosened restrictions on Jewish emigration, met U.S. Jewish leaders Tuesday and urged them to be vigorous in supporting democracy and economic reform in Russia.

One Jewish leader, who attended the one-hour private session at the former Soviet president’s hotel, quoted him as saying: “Anti-Semitism is not deeply rooted in Russia but it could be more of a problem in the Central Asian Republics. We must watch the situation carefully.

“We must promote reforms. We must carefully watch the economic situation for the next three to four months. This will be a crucial period.”

Another Jewish leader said Gorbachev warned that unless reforms succeeded, democracy could be derailed in Russia, creating a vacuum that could prove dangerous to world peace.

Gorbachev, who restored Soviet ties with Israel, said that the Jewish state must negotiate with its neighbors. “Negotiating is the only way. We must guarantee Israel’s security and at the same time find a solution for the Palestinian issue.”

As Soviet leader, Gorbachev eased restrictions on Soviet Jewish emigration, letting tens of thousands of Jews leave for Israel after years of being officially refused permission.

The meeting was organized by Edgar Bronfman, president of the World Jewish Congress. Among those attending were Shoshana Cardin, chairwoman of the National Conference on Soviet Jewry, and Marvin Lender, chairman of the United Jewish appeal.