Peretz Markish and the Destruction of Soviet Jewish Culture

About Event

The aftermath of World War II not only created the Cold War between the United States and the USSR, but witnessed the gradual rise of anti-Jewish sentiment behind the so-called “Iron Curtain.” Poet and playwright Peretz Markish—the only Yiddish writer to be awarded the Order of Lenin—produced an enormous body of work with wide literary range, including lyric, epic poetry, and prose. An early supporter of the Communist regime, Markish was later caught up in Stalin’s attack on Jewish cultural activities in the late 40’s and early 50’s and executed along with other Jewish writers on August 12, 1952. Join Jonathan Brent(YIVO), Gennady Estraikh (NYU), and David Markish, son of Peretz Markish, for a discussion of Markish’s Yiddish writing, biography, and the political context surrounding the 1952 murders. A brief documentary on Markish will be screened and Yiddish actor Shane Baker will read excerpts from his most famous work “Di Kupe.”

Presented by YIVO, Center for Jewish History, and the Moscow Jewish Museum and Tolerance Center.

Sponsored by the Blavatnik Family Foundation.

Admission: $10
YIVO and CJH members, seniors, and students: $7