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."

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On the anniversary of former Prime Minister Golda Meir's passing, Nativ has released a striking new photograph from her historic 1948 visit to Moscow's great synagogue. The image shows the overwhelming reception that marked a pivotal moment for what became known as the "Jews of Silence" behind the Iron Curtain.

Meir, serving as Israel's first ambassador to the Soviet Union, visited the Choral Synagogue in Moscow on September 10, 1948, just one day after presenting her credentials. While this first visit was quiet, word that the representative of the newly established Jewish state was in the Soviet capital spread like wildfire among Moscow's Jews.

During her next visit two weeks later, Jewish crowds were already waiting, as news of her expected arrival had spread by word of mouth. On Rosh Hashanah 5709 (October 4, 1948), tens of thousands of Jews streamed to the Great Synagogue, despite Soviet authorities' prohibition on religious activities in general and Jewish observance in particular. They flooded the streets around the synagogue, hoping to see Meir, who was born in Kyiv and was already the highest-ranking woman in the new state.

Overwhelmed by the enthusiastic reception, she could only say to the crowd, "Thank you for remaining Jewish." She later described the experience: "As we approached (the synagogue), we couldn't recognize the place. The street was filled with people. Representatives of all generations were there: Red Army officers, elderly people, youth, babies in their parents' arms. There were tens of thousands of people. At first, I didn't even realize what was happening and who they were. Then I understood, they had come. Good, brave Jews had come to show us their belonging and to celebrate with us the establishment of the State of Israel. They surrounded me, almost crushed me, almost lifted me on their shoulders, repeatedly calling my name."

The historic event was photographed by an 18-year-old Moscow Jew named David Khabkin. Soviet security services later harassed Khabkin for his Zionist activities, and in 1957, he was sentenced to three years in prison. Nevertheless, he managed to preserve the photographs.

Khabkin immediately passed the first photograph from Meir's synagogue visit to Israeli representatives. This documentation, showing her somewhat blurred, later entered the pantheon and was immortalized on the 10-shekel note bearing her image. In the mid-1960s, he passed a second, clearer photograph to Nativ representatives in Moscow. This is the image now revealed. Khabkin himself immigrated to Israel in 1969, the same year Meir became Israel's fourth prime minister.

On Sunday, December 8, it will be 46 years since her passing. Regarding the occasion, Nativ Chief Alon Shoham says, "Golda Meir's arrival at the Moscow synagogue wasn't necessarily intended as a religious gesture, but rather demonstrated Israel's solidarity with Soviet Jewry. Today, on the eve of the 46th anniversary of Golda's death, we are publishing this photo as a testament to Israel's strong connection with Jewish communities worldwide. As head of Nativ, responsible for maintaining ties with diaspora communities in the post-Soviet space, I want to emphasize that even today, these connections continue to strengthen and develop. Israel supports these communities, and the communities support us. In these difficult days for Israel, we truly feel the power of mutual Jewish solidarity. The support that diaspora Jews give to Israel exemplifies the Jewish people's resilience in the face of hatred and violence. The same resilience that will lead to our victory."

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