The EAJC mourns the passing of Eduard Kuznetsov

At the age of 85, Eduard Kuznetsov—a prominent Soviet dissident, human rights activist, author, journalist, and Prisoner of Zion—has passed away. The leadership of the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress mourns his passing and extends their profound condolences to his family, loved ones, and all who had the privilege of knowing this legendary figure.

Throughout his life, Kuznetsov epitomized the indomitable courage of Soviet Jewry in their struggle for freedom and self-determination in their national homeland. He was a key organizer of the June 15, 1970, "Operation Wedding"—an attempted escape by a group of Soviet Jewish citizens aboard an An-2 passenger aircraft. All sixteen participants, including Kuznetsov, were "refuseniks"—Jews who had been systematically denied permission to emigrate from the USSR.

Kuznetsov was initially sentenced to death, a ruling subsequently commuted to 15 years of hard labor. He was later released to Israel in a prisoner exchange for Soviet spies. His actions marked a pivotal, defining moment in the history of the refusenik movement and Soviet Jewry at large.

In Israel, he continued his pursuit of justice through journalism. During the 1990s, he served as Editor-in-Chief of "Vesti," which long remained the most influential Russian-language newspaper in the country.

His remarkable life, defined by unwavering courage and resilience, stands as an enduring exemplar for us all.

May his memory be a blessing. Baruch Dayan HaEmet.