Dov Kontorar Israeli journalist, columnist for the Vesti newspaper Date of Birth: 01.01.1963 Country: Israel

1. The Early Life and Roots of Dov Kontorer
2. Activism in the Jewish Human Rights Movement
3. The Road to Israel and a Career in Journalism
4. A Longstanding Legacy in Russian-Language Journalism
5. Personal Tragedy and Recognition

The Early Life and Roots of Dov Kontorer

Dov Kontorer, born in 1963 in Moscow to a family of Jewish intellectuals, traces his ancestry to Ukraine. Inspired by the Yom Kippur War and its portrayal in Soviet media at the tender age of 10, Kontorer resolved to emigrate to Israel. This decision shaped his subsequent activism in Moscow's Jewish community and his rejection of higher education and a career in the USSR.

Activism in the Jewish Human Rights Movement

Throughout the 1980s, Kontorer's commitment to social justice manifested in his activism within the Jewish human rights movement in the USSR. As a member of the "Gorod" project, he advocated for the rights of Soviet Jews.

The Road to Israel and a Career in Journalism

In 1988, Kontorer immigrated to Israel. Upon arriving in his new homeland, he joined the recently established daily newspaper "Vesti" in 1992, where he continues to write as of 2011. As a political commentator for "Vesti," Kontorer has penned numerous articles on pressing Israeli political issues.

A Longstanding Legacy in Russian-Language Journalism

Kontorer views his work in Russian journalism as a "temporary occupation" that has gradually evolved into a "habit," coupled with a sense of duty towards a significant readership. His long-standing presence in Russian-language journalism has left an indelible mark on the community.

Personal Tragedy and Recognition

In 2011, Kontorer endured the tragic loss of his 18-year-old son, Yohanan-David, in a road accident. Despite this adversity, Kontorer continued to write and share his insights on Israeli politics and society. The depth and nuance of his articles have earned him recognition in the academic sphere, as evidenced by the inclusion of his work in the bibliography of the Open University of Israel's course on "Power and Politics in the State of Israel."