Pogroms of 1881: A Complex Legacy

This chapter analyzes the pogroms that targeted the Jewish community in Balta during the spring of 1881, emphasizing the socio-economic factors that contributed to the violence. It critiques the historical narratives that portray these events solely as acts of anti-Semitism, revealing a more nuanced understanding of the relationships between Jewish communities and the local populace. Additionally, the chapter discusses the role of state authorities and the ideological manipulation of history, urging a reconsideration of how these events are understood in contemporary contexts.