The British Campaign for Soviet Jewry 1966-1991: Human Rights and Exit Permits.

The British Campaign for Soviet Jewry 1966-1991: Human Rights and Exit Permits is the first full-length study of the movement based on primary sources. It tells the story of one of the most significant events of twentieth-century Jewish history, where almost 1.5 million Jews left the Soviet Union for Israel and the United States. The campaign was successful in reversing the Soviet Union's attempt at Cultural Genocide and led to the regime's eventual disintegration. The book focuses on the various components of the movement and the trials and tribulations of Jewish and other dissidents and their supporters overseas.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 500 pages
Publication date: 30 November 2022
Publisher: i2i Publishing

The British Campaign for Soviet Jewry, spanning from 1966 to 1991, stands as a comprehensive and groundbreaking exploration of this pivotal movement, drawing upon primary sources to provide a comprehensive account. This book chronicles one of the most significant events in twentieth-century Jewish history, leaving an indelible mark on the Jewish community worldwide. Nearly 1.5 million Jews chose to leave the Soviet Union, primarily seeking refuge in Israel and the United States.

According to Natan Sharansky, the international human rights campaign spearheaded by the British was a remarkable achievement, ranking among the most successful endeavors in this realm. It played a pivotal role in supporting Soviet dissidents and contributed significantly to the downfall of the Soviet regime, ultimately leading to the collapse of the Soviet Empire. This campaign also stands as a rare instance of reversing an attempt at Cultural Genocide, as the Soviet Union had intended to impose upon its Jewish citizens.

The book endeavors to present the captivating story of the British Campaign for Soviet Jewry within its international context, employing a fluent and accessible narrative style. It delves into the various components of the movement, including the women and students, the National Council for Soviet Jewry, and distinguishing it from its American counterparts and the Israeli government, which played a guiding role in shaping its overall strategy. While the book explores the shifting attitudes of the British government towards human rights, from Harold Wilson to Margaret Thatcher, it also sheds light on the trials and tribulations faced by countless Jewish and other dissidents and their supporters across the globe. These individuals courageously defied not only Stalin and his successors but also the secret police, enabling the mass migration of Soviet Jewry to occur.

The British Campaign for Soviet Jewry serves as a testament to the unwavering human spirit and the power of collective action in the face of adversity. It reminds us of the importance of standing up for universal rights and the dignity of every individual, regardless of their background or circumstances. This book is a valuable resource for scholars, activists, and anyone interested in understanding the history of the Jewish community and the broader context of human rights movements.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781914933462