Natan Sharansky, Ukrainian-Israeli physicist and politician, Deputy Prime Minister of Israel

Natan Sharansky, born Anatoly Borisovich Shcharansky, is a globally recognized figure renowned for his indelible contributions as an Israeli politician, a stalwart human rights activist, and a prolific author. His journey, marked by immense courage and resilience, began in the Soviet Union where he emerged as a leading voice among the "refuseniks" during the 1970s and 1980s, enduring nine arduous years of imprisonment in the infamous Soviet gulags for his unwavering advocacy.

Hailing from Ukraine, Natan Sharansky (Hebrew: נתן שרנסקי; Russian: Ната́н Щара́нский; Ukrainian: Натан Щаранський) adopted his Hebrew name upon his eventual release and emigration to Israel. As a "refusenik," he was among the thousands of Soviet Jews who were systematically denied permission by Soviet authorities to emigrate, primarily to Israel, often facing severe persecution for their desire to practice their religion and cultural heritage freely. Sharansky became a prominent figure in the human rights movement, actively participating in the Moscow Helsinki Group, which monitored Soviet compliance with the Helsinki Accords on human rights. His activism, particularly his demand for the right to emigrate and his exposure of Soviet human rights abuses, led to his arrest in 1977 on fabricated charges of treason and anti-Soviet agitation. He was subsequently sentenced to 13 years in strict-regime labor camps, including notorious facilities like Perm-36 and Chistopol prison, where he spent much of his incarceration in solitary confinement, often on hunger strike to protest inhumane conditions.

Sharansky's plight garnered significant international attention and became a symbol of the global struggle against Soviet oppression. Following intense diplomatic pressure, he was eventually released in February 1986 as part of a high-profile prisoner exchange on the Glienicke Bridge in Berlin, an event that underscored the pivotal role of international advocacy in human rights. Upon his arrival in Israel, Sharansky transitioned from a dissident to a national leader, establishing the Yisrael BaAliyah (Israel on the Ascent) political party in 1996, which successfully represented the interests of new immigrants from the former Soviet Union. He served multiple terms in the Knesset, Israel's parliament, and held several key ministerial portfolios, including Minister of Industry and Trade, Minister of the Interior, Minister of Housing and Construction, and ultimately, Deputy Prime Minister, significantly shaping Israel's social and economic policies during a period of mass immigration.

Beyond his political roles, Sharansky is a highly regarded author, most notably for his acclaimed memoir "Fear No Evil" (1988), which vividly chronicles his experiences as a dissident, his arrest, trial, and years in the Gulag, offering profound insights into the human spirit's capacity for resistance and hope. This work has become a seminal text for understanding Soviet dissidence.

From June 2009 to August 2018, Sharansky served with distinction as the Chairman of the Executive for the Jewish Agency for Israel. In this influential capacity, he led the venerable organization responsible for connecting global Jewry with Israel, facilitating immigration (Aliyah), and promoting Jewish education and identity worldwide. His tenure focused on strengthening the bonds between Israel and Jewish communities in the diaspora, particularly through programs fostering Jewish continuity and engagement.

Currently, Natan Sharansky continues his vital work as the chairman for the Institute for the Study of Global Antisemitism and Policy (ISGAP), an American non-partisan organization dedicated to combating antisemitism through interdisciplinary research and education. ISGAP plays a crucial role in analyzing the evolving manifestations of antisemitism globally, from traditional forms to contemporary expressions, and in developing effective strategies for its mitigation, reinforcing Sharansky's lifelong commitment to human rights and the security of the Jewish people.

Frequently Asked Questions About Natan Sharansky

Who is Natan Sharansky?

Natan Sharansky is a prominent Israeli politician, human rights activist, and author. He is internationally recognized for his nine years of imprisonment in Soviet labor camps as a leading "refusenik" who fought for the right of Soviet Jews to emigrate and for fundamental human rights.

What is a "refusenik" and why was Sharansky imprisoned?

A "refusenik" was a term for Soviet citizens, primarily Jews, who were denied permission to emigrate by the Soviet authorities. Sharansky was imprisoned from 1977 to 1986 on fabricated charges of treason and anti-Soviet agitation due to his activism for human rights and Jewish emigration.

What political roles did Natan Sharansky hold in Israel?

After emigrating to Israel, Natan Sharansky founded the Yisrael BaAliyah party. He served multiple terms as a member of the Knesset and held significant ministerial positions, including Minister of Industry and Trade, Minister of the Interior, and Deputy Prime Minister.

What is Natan Sharansky's connection to the Jewish Agency?

Natan Sharansky served as the Chairman of the Executive for the Jewish Agency for Israel from June 2009 to August 2018. In this role, he was instrumental in strengthening ties between Israel and Jewish communities worldwide and in facilitating Jewish immigration to Israel.

What is ISGAP and what is Sharansky's role there?

ISGAP stands for the Institute for the Study of Global Antisemitism and Policy. It is an American non-partisan organization dedicated to research and education on antisemitism. Natan Sharansky currently serves as its chairman, continuing his commitment to combating global antisemitism.

What is Natan Sharansky's famous book?

Natan Sharansky is the author of the critically acclaimed memoir "Fear No Evil" (1988), which recounts his harrowing experiences as a Soviet dissident and his years spent in the Gulag.