Yakov Basin Historian, cultural scientist, publicist and public figure Date of Birth: 28.08.1939 Country: Israel

1. Early Life and Career
2. Activism in the Jewish Community
3. Academic and Cultural Pursuits
4. Community Leadership
5. Progressive Judaism
6. Later Life and Legacy

Early Life and Career

Yakov Bassine was born on August 28, 1939, and graduated from the Minsk Medical Institute in 1964. He spent over three decades as a practicing physician, holding various positions in hospitals, sanatoriums, and a tuberculosis dispensary. His medical achievements included scientific publications, designation as a Category I physician, and recognition for his work in combating tuberculosis.

Activism in the Jewish Community

In 1998, Bassine transitioned to active public engagement within the Jewish community in Belarus, the former USSR, and internationally. He completed a course in Jewish history at the Isaac Ben-Zvi Institute in Jerusalem in 1990. From 1998, he served as Director of the Minsk Bureau of the Union of Councils for Jews in the Former Soviet Union.

Academic and Cultural Pursuits

Bassine taught at the Department of Cultural Studies at the Belarusian State University from 2002 to 2010, where he developed and lectured on a special course on interethnic and interfaith relations. He was also involved in jazz promotion, organizing the Minsk Jazz Club and producing early television programs on jazz history. His writings and presentations covered music history and popular culture, including the documentary novel "Music and Darkness" about Eddie Rosner.

Community Leadership

Bassine participated in various organizations, including the Minsk Association of Jewish Culture and the Union of Jewish Public Organizations and Communities of Belarus. He was a delegate to several congresses of the Confederation of Jewish Organizations and Communities of the USSR and the World Jewish Congress.

Progressive Judaism

Bassine played a leading role in establishing progressive Judaism in Belarus. He chaired the movement since its inception in 1993 and served as President of the Minsk community of progressive Judaism, "Simha," from 1993 to 2001. He attended congresses of the World Union for Progressive Judaism, representing Belarus internationally.

Later Life and Legacy

Bassine moved to Israel in July 2010. His contributions to Jewish history, culture, and advocacy have left a lasting impact on the Belarusian Jewish community and beyond.