Russian Sets Up Jewish Lobby

A Russian businessman,Viatcheslav Kantor, is on a mission to turn wealthy Russian Jews into major political and philanthropic forces. Mr. Kantor, an agrochemical magnate who chairs the 100-member Russian Jewish Congress, is in America to discuss strengthening Russia’s Jewish lobby, and encouraging charitable giving among Russian Jews.

Mr. Kantor, 52, said the Jewish lobby in Russia “doesn’t exist at all as a separate political power,” but that a surge of anti-Semitic attacks in recent years has highlighted the need for the community to strengthen its relationship with the Kremlin.