ABSTRACT
Russia and Israel have been separately engaged in all-consuming activities, one endeavouring to rebuild its society, the other valiantly searching to end the decades of war in the Middle East. Relations with Russia have been renewed, but the once exciting prospects have been replaced by drab reality. In spite of the great dissimilarities in land mass and international importance, population and wealth, both Russia and Israel are faced with a similar threat of fundamentalist Islam. Russia and Israel are strategic neighbours and might need each others support in this regard. The two countries could forge stronger ties of cultural and economic cooperation as well, for the infrastructure and the interest are readily available and could be used to good advantage. A great deal would depend on the two countries involved, their economic and social development and whether they can provide the stability and tolerance necessary for the life of a Jewish minority.
