Howard Epstein – LETTER FROM ISRAEL: Russia and Jews If there is one bilateral relationship that Jews have had to endure, rather than enjoy, over the centuries, it has been that with the Russians. In 1827, Nicholas I proclaimed his Statute on Conscription Duty. Jews were rendered liable to serve in the Russian army and the privilege of paying a ransom in lieu was ended. The shetele were denuded of young men. Often taken at the age of 12 – just as they were looking forward to their barmitzvah, of course – they were not released until the age of...
Monitoring Antisemitism Intel
