Jews

Definition

Jews are an ethnoreligious group originating from the Hebrews or Israelites of ancient times, with a rich cultural and religious heritage. In the context of dissent and opposition within the Soviet Union, Jews faced significant persecution, discrimination, and repression, which influenced their political actions and responses against the regime.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Under Stalin, anti-Semitic policies increased, leading to purges within the Communist Party that targeted Jewish members and intellectuals.
2. Many Jews in the Soviet Union were not allowed to practice their religion freely and faced restrictions on Jewish cultural expression.
3. The struggle for Jewish emigration became a significant form of dissent against the Soviet regime during the 1970s and 1980s.
4. Jewish dissidents often collaborated with other opposition movements to challenge Soviet authority and advocate for human rights.
5. The establishment of Jewish cultural institutions and education in underground settings became a form of resistance against state-imposed limitations.

Review Questions

• How did anti-Semitic policies under Stalin impact Jewish dissent in the Soviet Union?
  • Stalin's anti-Semitic policies had a profound impact on Jewish dissent as they exacerbated existing grievances within the Jewish community. This repression led to widespread disillusionment and prompted many Jews to organize politically against the regime. As a result, a number of Jewish dissidents emerged, using their voices to advocate for rights and highlight discrimination, thus linking their struggle to broader movements for freedom within the USSR.
• What role did refuseniks play in representing Jewish dissent against the Soviet government?
  • Refuseniks became prominent symbols of Jewish dissent in the Soviet Union by publicly opposing the government's restrictive emigration policies. Their struggle to obtain permission to leave served as a rallying point for both domestic and international advocacy efforts. Many refuseniks raised awareness about human rights abuses and mobilized support from global Jewish organizations, effectively spotlighting the plight of Jews under Soviet rule.
• Evaluate the significance of Zionism in relation to Jewish opposition movements within the Soviet Union during its later years.
  • Zionism played a critical role in shaping Jewish opposition movements in the later years of the Soviet Union. As Jews sought to reconnect with their cultural identity and heritage, Zionist ideals inspired many to advocate for their right to emigrate to Israel. This growing movement was intertwined with broader issues of national identity and self-determination, positioning Zionism as both a response to oppression and a catalyst for political activism among Soviet Jews during a time of increasing repression and calls for reform.

Related terms

Anti-Semitism: A form of prejudice against Jews, which manifested in various discriminatory practices, policies, and violence throughout history, including during the Soviet era.

Refuseniks: Soviet Jews who were denied permission to emigrate to Israel or other countries; many became symbols of resistance against the oppressive policies of the Soviet government.

Zionism: A nationalist movement among Jews advocating for the re-establishment of a Jewish homeland in Israel, which gained momentum in the 20th century, particularly among Soviet Jews seeking refuge from persecution.