The article narrates the harrowing childhood experiences of a Jewish boy in Russia, facing intense antisemitism at school and in society. After enduring physical and psychological abuse, he was placed in a special school. Despite his parents' efforts to secure a safe environment, the threats and abuses continued, escalating to police involvement. The family's desperate attempt to emigrate to Israel highlights the systemic oppression they faced, culminating in job loss and constant fear for their safety. The story sheds light on the broader issue of antisemitism in the USSR during that era.
The teacher said: 'He's a Jew. Mean, greedy, all the problems we have with Israel are his fault.' I was physically abused. Always a bloody nose.'
I developed a stress disorder. My hands shook. Put in upstate Moscow's special school for disordered kids, I'd cry for no reason. I was treated with medicine, vitamin injections, hypnosis.
It was constant fear they'd arrest us. Hearing footsteps, we'd panic. At the synagogue the KGB steadily photographed us. One day three men in black suits took me to the detention center.
With antisemitism so bad, afraid we'd be hurt or worse, our dad filed to emigrate to Israel where we had relatives. Instantly my parents lost their jobs.
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