Murder of Thirteen Jewish Intellectuals in Moscow
August 12th, 1952
August 12th, 1952

How Long Ago?
72 years, 7 months, 3 days ago
Location
Moscow, Russia, Soviet Union
Category
Politics & Government
People
- Emma Goldman
- David Samoylov
- Peretz Markish
- Leonid Kogan
- Isaac Babel
- Dovid Bergelson
- Vladimir Mayakovsky
- Sholem Aleichem
- Morris Rosenfeld
- Anatoly Shteiger
- Boris Pasternak
- Yakov Druskin
- Sofia Mikhailovna
Links & References
Tags
Murder of Thirteen Jewish Intellectuals in Moscow
Thirteen prominent Jewish writers, poets, and intellectuals were murdered in Moscow, as part of a state-sponsored campaign against perceived threats to Soviet ideology. This event, later known as the Night of the Murdered Poets, marked a significant escalation in the repression of Jewish culture and intellect in the post-war Soviet Union. The victims, who had made substantial contributions to literature, were accused of various fabricated crimes against the state. Their executions symbolized the broader crackdown on dissent by the Soviet regime.
Thirteen Jewish poets and writers were executed.
Part of Stalin's crackdown on dissent and anti-Semitism.
Victims were falsely accused of anti-Soviet conspiracies.
Murder marked a chilling era for Soviet intellectuals.
What Happened?
In the aftermath of World War II, the Soviet Union faced a growing climate of anti-Semitism, which was exacerbated by Stalin’s paranoia regarding potential 'Zionist conspiracies' and disloyalty among Jewish intellectuals. On the night of August 12, 1952, a group of thirteen luminaries in the Jewish arts and letters was executed in a coordinated act of state violence. The victims included notable figures such as poet David Samoylov, dramatist Peretz Markish, and writer Leonid Kogan. The murders were predicated on false accusations that these individuals were involved in a supposed anti-Soviet conspiracy, labeled as the 'Jewish Anti-Fascist Committee', which had been formed during the war to foster support for the Soviet effort. As the campaign against Jews intensified under Stalin's regime, the executions served as a warning to any potential dissenters within the Jewish community and beyond.
The event is often linked to the broader context of the Doctors' Plot, a fabricated conspiracy where Jewish doctors were falsely accused of plotting to poison Soviet leaders. The murder of these poets highlighted a chilling systematic repression and the ultimate silencing of dissenting voices. The cultural and political ramifications extended beyond immediate shock and grief, as this marked a significant moment in the history of Soviet anti-Semitism, underscoring the dangers faced by those who engaged in intellectual pursuits counter to government ideology.
The executions received little international condemnation at the time, largely due to the tight grip the Soviet government held over information and public discourse. As such, the Night of the Murdered Poets remains a poignant symbol of the perils of totalitarianism and the fragility of artistic freedom, echoing through subsequent generations as a reminder of the state’s capacity for violence against its own citizens, particularly minorities.
Why Does it Matter?
The murder of these Jewish intellectuals marked a pivotal moment in Soviet history, illuminating the extent of state repression against cultural figures. Their executions not only shocked the artistic community but also served as a grim warning about the consequences of dissent. This event remains an essential point of reference for discussions on freedom of expression and the persecution of minority groups within totalitarian regimes.
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