Rudolf Kastner A figure in the Zionist movement. Date of Birth: 01.01.1906 Country: Israel

1. Early Life and Zionist Activities
2. "Blood for Goods" Negotiations
3. The Vrba-Wetzler Report
4. Post-War Political Career and Accusations
5. The Trial and Assassination
6. Legacy and Controversy

Early Life and Zionist Activities

Rezső Kasztner, a prominent figure in the Zionist movement, was born in 1906 in Kolozsvár (now Cluj, Romania). After obtaining a law degree, he assumed leadership of the Zionist youth movement in Transylvania. From 1943-1945, he actively participated in the Hungarian Zionist Organization.

"Blood for Goods" Negotiations

In the summer of 1944, Kasztner pursued negotiations with SS functionary Adolf Eichmann. He proposed allowing the departure of Jews from occupied territories to neutral countries in exchange for 10,000 грузовиков of food for the German army. While the "Blood for Goods" plan ultimately failed, Kasztner secured the release of 1,686 Hungarian Jews to Switzerland for a substantial monetary sum.

The Vrba-Wetzler Report

In late April 1944, Kasztner received a report from two escaped Auschwitz prisoners, Alfred Wetzler and Rudolf Vrba. The report detailed the preparations for the mass extermination of Hungarian Jews. Despite the shocking revelation, Kasztner chose not to disclose its contents.

Post-War Political Career and Accusations

After the war, Kasztner engaged in Israeli politics as a member of the Mapai party. He held the position of Head of Public Relations in the Israeli Ministry of Industry and Trade. However, in 1953, journalist Malkiel Gruenwald accused Kasztner of collaborating with the Nazis. Gruenwald alleged that Kasztner had traded the escape of a select group of Jews for their silence on the extermination plans.

The Trial and Assassination

A contentious trial ensued, with Gruenwald found not guilty in 1955. The verdict led to a government crisis, forcing Prime Minister Moshe Sharett to resign. In a subsequent Supreme Court trial, Gruenwald was convicted of libel. Amidst the ongoing controversy, Kasztner was fatally wounded by a group of young men in 1957, his motives remaining a subject of speculation.

Legacy and Controversy

Kasztner's legacy remains contested. Some denounce him as a collaborator and traitor who withheld crucial information about the impending genocide. Others maintain that he was a minor figure whose warnings would not have changed the outcome. Critics also emphasize that those he rescued were primarily wealthy citizens and Zionist politicians, but defenders argue that they were nevertheless saved from certain death.

The Kasztner Affair has been used by critics to challenge Zionist narratives, arguing that the movement neglected the plight of Soviet Jews, communists, and ordinary citizens.