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Edward KuznetsovIsraeli public figure, writer, journalist
Date of Birth: 29.01.1939
Country:  Israel |
Content:
- Early Life and Activism
- Imprisonment and Trial
- Exile and Journalism
- Political and Media Leadership
- Leningrad Airplane Case
Early Life and Activism
Eduard Samuilovich Kuznetsov was born on January 29, 1939, in Moscow to Samuel Gerzon and Zinaida Kuznetsova. After his father's death in 1941, Kuznetsov pursued his studies at the Faculty of Philosophy of Moscow State University. However, his involvement in anti-Soviet activities and participation in samizdat led to his first arrest in 1961.
Imprisonment and Trial
Sentenced to seven years in a labor camp, Kuznetsov was released in 1968. Two years later, he relocated to Riga to live with his wife, Silva Zalmanson. Their attempt to hijack a plane to escape the Soviet Union resulted in Kuznetsov's arrest and a death sentence, which was later commuted to 15 years of imprisonment.
Exile and Journalism
In 1979, Kuznetsov was released from prison in exchange for Soviet spies and arrived in Israel. He became the editor of a Russian-language newspaper and later worked as an editor for Radio Liberty's news department from 1983 to 1990.
Political and Media Leadership
In 1982, Kuznetsov co-led the first list of Russian-speaking immigrants, "Sameh," in elections for the Knesset. He went on to lead the Russian-language newspapers "Time" in 1991 and "Vesti" in 1992, serving as editor until 1999. Together with colleagues from "Vesti," he founded the publication "MIG-News" in 1999. From 2003 to 2007, he served as Chief Editor of the literary and artistic almanac Nota-Bene.
Leningrad Airplane Case
Kuznetsov's plan to hijack a passenger plane after his request to leave the Soviet Union was denied led to the arrest of his group of 16 individuals at the "Smolnaya" airport. Sentenced to death, Kuznetsov's punishment was later reduced to 15 years in a labor camp. During his imprisonment, he secretly wrote two books, "Diaries" and "The Mordovian Marathon." In 1979, he was exchanged for Soviet spies along with four other political prisoners.
