The interdependent identity of Russian Jews after the Imperial collapse

2015 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 26885012
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Research Activity Start-up
• Allocation Type: Single-year Grants
• Research Field: Sociology
• Research Institution: Saitama University
• Principal Investigator: TSURUMI Taro 埼玉大学, 研究企画推進室, 准教授 (00735623)
• Project Period (FY): 2014-08-29 – 2016-03-31
• Keywords: ユダヤ人 / ロシア / シオニズム / 自由主義 / 帝国

Outline of Final Research Achievements

This project examined how the collapse of the Russian Empire affected the identity of Russian Jews. I focused on liberal wing of Russian Jews, including Zionists and Liberals. The analysis of their arguments revealed that the collapse of the Empire made them conscious of the importance of Russia as their foundation. They considered that Jews could be most required in "backward" Russia with their roles as Westernizers and entrepreneurs. Russian Jewish Liberals continued to dream of the resurgence of Russia, whereas Russian Zionists began to be detached from Russia, isolating themselves as a Jew.

Free Research Field

歴史社会学