After it was revealed in "Israel Today" that he had fled Russia:
Rabbi Pinchas Goldschmidt, the chief rabbi of Moscow, was fired by the Jewish community, after fleeing Russia for refusing to support the war in Ukraine.
Only a month after his tenure was extended by seven months, the Jewish community decided to remove him from office.
Last May, it was revealed in "Israel Today" that Rabbi Goldschmidt, who serves as president of the European Rabbinical Conference, hurriedly left Russia, handing over his powers to his deputy.
Even then, despite Rabbi Goldschmidt's denials, it was clear that the rabbi's departure had something to do with the war.
However then Rabbi Goldschmidt claimed that he had come to Israel to dine with his ailing father.
So, in response to a question from "Israel Today" he admitted that he does not know when he will return to the country.
"If I were God I would know."
Rabbi Goldschmidt recently admitted that his departure was not related to his father, but to his refusal to support the war in Ukraine.
In an interview with a family newspaper he said his feelings in Russia were difficult.
"It was like going to sleep in Moscow and waking up in Tehran."
He said, "After the start of the war the government made it clear that he would not have to speak out in favor of the war. Without going into details - I received the message very clearly. But when I saw the waves of Jewish refugees flowing from Ukraine I had no choice. I need to be able to look my grandchildren in the eye and say I did the right thing, "he said.
Rabbi Goldschmidt this evening (Thursday) issued an official statement for his removal.
I would like to thank Gd for the opportunity given to my wife Dera and me to take part in the historical revival of Russian Jewry and serve it for the last 33 years, after the fall of Communism. We did our best to navigate and build the community, In the current era, when authoritarian rule is getting tighter day by day. "
"When the terrible war of the last months in Ukraine began, I could no longer see so much human suffering and be silent in inaction. My wife and I went to Eastern Europe to help the refugees. And I also voiced my voice against this terrible war. Last year, I realized that staying in office would jeopardize the future of the Jewish community in Moscow. As sad as I may be under the circumstances, it is clear to me that I have now decided to leave my post for the future of the community. May God preserve and preserve it, "he added.
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