Eduard Kuznetsov, a prominent Soviet-era dissident and former Prisoner of Zion who endured imprisonment for anti-Soviet activities, died Sunday at age 85.
Born to a Jewish father and a Russian mother, Kuznetsov established himself as a journalist, writer, and editor before his activism led to his first arrest by Soviet authorities in 1961. He served seven years in prison for publicly reading protest poetry and anti-regime literature in Moscow's central square.
In June 1970, after being denied permission to leave the country, Kuznetsov joined fellow activist Mark Dymshits in a bold attempt to hijack an empty aircraft bound for Israel. The escape plan failed, and both men were sentenced to death. Their sentences were later commuted to 15-year prison terms following intense international pressure, while Kuznetsov's wife received a 10-year sentence.
Kuznetsov finally gained his freedom in 1979 through a US-negotiated prisoner exchange that released him and four other dissidents. He subsequently immigrated to Israel.
Today, his daughter Anat Zalmanson-Kuznetsov shared an emotional tribute on Facebook: "At 1 a.m., Eduard Kuznetsov, the man, the legend, and my father, passed away. I can't write these words without breaking into tears."
She recounted a meaningful moment from 2018 when they shared the stage, where he received recognition for his contributions to Russian-language journalism in Israel. "I knew this was a defining moment in my relationship with my father, one I would return to again and again throughout my life," she wrote. Despite his reluctance to accept the honor, claiming, "I don't deserve it. I haven't been involved in journalism for many years," she insisted on his worthiness.
"Even at the award ceremony for his own achievements, he focused solely on me," she continued. "Dad, how much I love you. We always said we had a unique understanding of each other. In his final days, though he couldn't speak, his eyes communicated everything. I understood precisely what he needed – whether it was a drink, an explanation of what was happening, or just wanting me to stay longer. When I realized it was the end, I kissed him and expressed my love. My tears seemed to startle him slightly. On our final journey to the emergency room last night, I prayed for more time with him, but an inner voice reminded me that such a wish was selfish, that extending his life would only prolong his suffering. He departed this world with dignity, having lived an extraordinary life that truly changed the world."
