Join us at the Southern California Arbeter Ring Educational Center for a poignant commemoration of the Night of the Murdered Poets, honoring the lives and legacy of the Yiddish writers and intellectuals executed by Stalin on August 12, 1952.

This solemn event will take place on Sunday, August 11, 2024, at 1:00 PM.

The Night of the Murdered Poets saw the tragic end of 13 Soviet Jewish intellectuals, including renowned figures such as David Bergelson, Itzik Feffer, Peretz Markish, and Shmuel Halkin, who were falsely accused of espionage and treason. Their contributions to Yiddish literature and culture were immeasurable, and their unjust deaths marked a dark chapter in Jewish and literary history.

Our commemoration will feature readings of selected works by these martyred poets, providing a glimpse into their profound and resilient spirit. We will also sing songs taken from their writings, led by Ruth Judkowitz and Zach Golden. A candle-lighting ceremony will be held to honor their memory, followed by a moment of silence.

This event is an opportunity to reflect on the enduring power of literature and the importance of preserving cultural heritage. Light refreshments will be served, and attendees are encouraged to engage in a dialogue about the significance of these poets' work in today's world.

All are welcome to join us in paying tribute to the Night of the Murdered Poets and ensuring that their voices continue to be heard and remembered.

Are you curious about the photo used in the flyer?

Find out more about the men in the photo, by reading below. All names are presented from right to left in the photo starting with:

Unknown
Chaim Grade - A prominent Yiddish poet and novelist from Vilnius, known for his works depicting Jewish life and culture.
(1) Arn Kushnirov- A Yiddish poet and prose writer, known for his vivid storytelling, murdered on Stalin's orders.
(2) David Bergelson- A leading Yiddish novelist and short story writer, whose works often explored themes of Jewish identity and Soviet life, executed in Stalin's purges.
Ben Zion Goldberg - A Yiddish journalist and author, who was the son-in-law of Sholem Aleichem and chronicled Jewish experiences.
(3) Itzik Feffer - A Soviet Yiddish poet and activist, who was a prominent figure in the Jewish Anti-Fascist Committee and was executed on Stalin's orders.
Shmuel Halkin - A notable Yiddish poet and playwright, recognized for his lyrical and dramatic works, he survived Stalin’s purge. Ironically Halkin was saved by a heart attack that led him to a work camp in Russia’s far north.
(4) Peretz Markish- An influential Yiddish poet and playwright, known for his innovative and expressive style, executed on Stalin's orders.
Abraham Sutzkever (standing, first on the left)- A distinguished Yiddish poet and partisan fighter, celebrated for his profound and resilient literary contributions to Jewish culture.

Night of the Murdered Poets

By Kultur Mercado

Night of the Murdered Poets