Victoria Khiterer, "Jewish Pogroms in Kiev During the Russian Civil War, 1918-1920" (Edwin Mellen, 2015)
Mar 1, 2025
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Victoria Khiterer, a history professor at Millersville University, sheds light on the harrowing experiences of Jews during the pogroms in Kiev from 1918 to 1920. She explores the role of civil and military authorities in inciting violence, along with the devastating impact of anti-Semitic propaganda. The discussion highlights the complexity of historical trauma, including personal anecdotes from Khiterer's family. Khiterer also critiques the leadership of that era and examines themes of collective identity, accountability, and the interplay of trauma and resistance.
The podcast emphasizes the intertwining of personal history and collective trauma, illustrating how the pogroms deeply affected scholars like Victoria Khiterer.
Themes of Ukrainian nationalism reveal the troubling sacrifice of Jewish community interests for a homogenous national identity during the civil war.
The role of misinformation and propaganda in inciting violence underscores the devastating effects of scapegoating vulnerable groups during this tumultuous period.
Deep dives
Historical Context and Personal Legacy
The discussion revolves around the profound historical context of Jewish pogroms in Kiev during the Russian Civil War. This period from 1918 to 1920 not only resulted in significant violence against Jewish communities but also shaped the personal narrative of scholars like Victoria Kitterer, whose ancestry suffered during these tragic events. The pogroms galvanized familial memories and collective trauma, leading to an enduring fear rooted in historical atrocities. It highlights how personal histories and collective memory intertwine with academic pursuits to illuminate the human experience behind historical upheaval.
Understanding Nationalism and Its Consequences
A central theme is the exploration of how Ukrainian nationalism, during the civil war, came at the direct expense of Jewish communities. The thought process behind sacrificing Jewish interests for a unified Ukrainian identity demonstrates a perilous aspect of nationalism that prioritizes a homogenous society over minority rights. This reflects a broader principle wherein a truly democratic state cannot be built on the sacrifices of national minorities. The interplay between nationalism and systemic violence serves as a cautionary tale of how identities can be weaponized against marginalized groups.
The Scale of Violence and Its Effects
The enormity of violence during this period is striking, with estimates indicating the death of approximately 150,000 to 200,000 Jews in Ukraine alone. This level of targeted violence marked this era as one of the most lethal for Jews prior to the Holocaust, showcasing a tragic escalation compared to earlier pogroms. Various armed groups, including the Ukrainian National Army and Polish troops, perpetrated significant atrocities, including mass killings, rapes, and forced labor. The institutional failure to protect Jews during the civil war period instigated a cycle of persecution that highlighted the vulnerability of minority groups amid military and political chaos.
Responses and Reckoning with Hate
Responses from the Jewish community and their allies during these tumultuous times reflect both resilience and desperation. Despite appeals to various authorities for protection, Jewish leaders often faced indifference or were unable to stem the tide of violence perpetrated against them. Figures such as Vladimir Jabotinsky sought to address these issues by advocating for self-defense among Jewish populations, underscoring a desperate need for autonomy and security. Yet, the overarching narrative reveals a grim reality, where appeals for help from Jews went unanswered, reflecting a failure of both societal and governmental responsibility.
Rumors, Propaganda, and Prejudice
The pivotal role of rumors in inciting pogroms demonstrates how misinformation can perpetuate violence against targeted communities. Allegations of Jewish complicity with Bolsheviks fueled their persecution, showcasing how scapegoating became a tool for justifying violence against innocents. This phenomenon was exacerbated by a culture of anti-Semitism that sought to portray Jews as enemies of the state, blurring the lines between truth and prejudice. The narrative underscores the catastrophic impact of falsehoods and the enduring challenges of combating systemic hatred through education and accountability.
Jewish Pogroms in Kiev During the Russian Civil Wardiscusses how anti-Jewish violence began during the revolution and civil war 1917-1920 raising questions of responsibility of civil and military authorities and the antisemitic propaganda spread by official mass media as well as deliberate exploitation of antisemitism for political purposes.