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Mihael DorfmanJournalist and leader of the public movement "Russian Panthers"
Country:
 Israel |
Content:
- Early Life and Education
- Relocation to Israel
- Journalistic Endeavors
- The Rise of the Russian Panthers
- Political Activism
- Personal Life
- Legacy
Early Life and Education
Born on September 17, 1954, in Shemakha, Azerbaijan, Micha Dorfman's background is a testament to the melting pot of cultures that defined his childhood. His father, a former political prisoner in Siberia, relocated the family to Baku in 1951 amidst the anti-Semitic purge in the Soviet Union. In Shemakha, Dorfman's linguistic exposure was a diverse blend of Armenian, Turkish, Persian, and Kurdish, leaving a lasting imprint on his future linguistic abilities.
In 1976, Dorfman moved to France, where he pursued further education in linguistics, computers, and Slavic studies at the University of Paris. While there, he discovered a passion for Russian literature through his work as a tutor for the Russian Language Laboratory.
Relocation to Israel
In 1991, Dorfman made the decision to leave the Soviet Union, where he had faced discrimination due to his Jewish heritage. He relocated to Israel, settling in Be'er Sheva and becoming an active participant in the Russian-speaking community there.
Journalistic Endeavors
Dorfman's passion for journalism led him to launch a Russian-language newspaper, one of the first of its kind in the Negev region of Israel. Through his writings, he advocated for the rights of Russian-speaking immigrants and fought against racism and discrimination.
The Rise of the Russian Panthers
In the late 1990s, Dorfman co-founded the Russian Panthers, a grassroots movement that sought to combat racism against immigrants in Israel. Inspired by the nonviolent philosophies of Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr., the Panthers used peaceful protests and public awareness campaigns to challenge the discriminatory policies and practices faced by Russian-speaking communities.
Political Activism
Dorfman's activism extends beyond the Russian Panthers. He has been a vocal critic of the Israeli government's policies towards Palestinians and has advocated for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He is a member of the Israeli Labor Party and has run for office on several occasions.
Personal Life
Dorfman is married to Olga Filaretova, a former police officer in the Soviet Union who also became a leading figure in the Russian Panthers. Together, they have raised their children in Israel.
Legacy
Micha Dorfman is a prominent figure in the Russian-speaking community in Israel, known for his unwavering advocacy for social justice and equality. His leadership in the Russian Panthers has helped to draw attention to the issue of racism and discrimination faced by immigrants in Israeli society. Through his writings and political activism, Dorfman continues to be an influential voice for change in Israel.
