Murder of Thirteen Jewish Intellectuals in Moscow

August 12th, 1952

August 12th, 1952

Murder of Thirteen Jewish Intellectuals in Moscow
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.

Discover More Historic Events from August 12th

Crime & Law

Plymouth Shooting: Six Lives Lost in Tragedy

August 12th, 2021 3 years ago

In a tragic incident in Keyham, Plymouth, six people lost their lives, including five victims and the perpetrator. The event occurred in the evening when a lone gunman opened fire indiscriminately in the residential area, leading to chaos and fear among the community. Eyewitnesses reported hearing multiple gunshots, resulting in emergency services deploying rapidly to the scene. The attack shocked the nation, marking one of the deadliest mass shootings in the UK in over a decade.

Continue Reading
Accidents & Tragedies

Civilians Killed in Sarmada Weapons Depot Explosion

August 12th, 2018 6 years ago

An explosion at a weapons depot in Sarmada, Syria, resulted in the deaths of thirty-nine civilians, including a dozen children. The depot was reportedly used by various armed groups amid ongoing conflict in the region. Eyewitness accounts indicated that the explosion was caused by a fire that ignited munitions stockpiled in the depot. Rescue efforts were complicated by ongoing fighting in the area, further increasing the toll on innocent civilians.

Continue Reading
Social Movements & Civil Rights

Violent Unrest at Unite the Right Rally

August 12th, 2017 7 years ago

In Charlottesville, Virginia, thousands gathered for the Unite the Right rally, a white supremacist event primarily opposing the city council’s decision to remove a statue of Confederate General Robert E. Lee. The demonstration led to a series of violent clashes between the rally-goers and counter-protesters. The atmosphere escalated, resulting in several injuries and the tragic loss of three lives, including an individual who was killed when a car plowed into a group of counter-protesters. Nearly 50 others sustained injuries as the situation spiraled out of control.

Continue Reading
Military & Warfare

SDF Takes Control of Manbij from ISIL

August 12th, 2016 8 years ago

The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a coalition primarily composed of Kurdish and Arab fighters, successfully captured the city of Manbij from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) after weeks of intense fighting. This strategic city, located in northern Syria, served as a key supply route for ISIL, and its capture marked a significant turning point in the battle against the jihadist group. The operation was supported by airstrikes from the U.S.-led coalition, which aimed to weaken ISIL’s control in the region and strengthen local governance under the SDF.

Continue Reading
Accidents & Tragedies

Massive Explosions in Tianjin Kill Hundreds

August 12th, 2015 9 years ago

Two massive explosions at a chemical warehouse in Tianjin, China, resulted in the deaths of 173 individuals and nearly 800 injuries. The blasts occurred at approximately 11:30 PM local time in the Binhai New Area, an industrial zone. Initial reports indicated that the explosions were triggered by the ignition of hazardous materials stored in containers. The incident led to widespread damage in the surrounding areas, destroying buildings, vehicles, and infrastructure.

Continue Reading
Military & Warfare

Kursk Submarine Disaster in Barents Sea

August 12th, 2000 24 years ago

On August 12, 2000, the Russian Navy submarine Kursk sank in the Barents Sea during a military exercise, resulting in the loss of all 118 crew members. The submarine experienced a catastrophic explosion, which was initially attributed to a collision with another vessel. Subsequent investigations revealed that a faulty torpedo caused the disaster. The incident raised significant concerns about the state of the Russian Navy and naval safety protocols. Rescue efforts were hindered by a delay in international assistance and the deteriorating conditions around the wreck.

Continue Reading