Veniamin Zuskin

Yiddish theatre and film actor. People's Artist of the RSFSR (1939), recipient of the Stalin Prize, Second Class (1946). From 1921, he was a member of the troupe of the Moscow State Jewish Theatre. He was the stage partner of the actor and director Solomon Mikhoels. After Mikhoels was murdered in 1948, he became the theatre's artistic director and remained in that position until his arrest. He was a member of the Jewish Anti-Fascist Committee (JAC), established in 1942 to raise support for the Soviet Union from 'Jewish brothers throughout the world'. The JAC's activities helped advance the opening of the Second Front.

Arrested in December 1948, he was accused of Jewish nationalism, organising an anti-Soviet underground, maintaining ties with American intelligence, and committing high treason. His testimony was fabricated, and he was subjected to beatings and torture. The trial was held behind closed doors–without the public and without the participation of either the prosecution or the defence. In July 1952, he was sentenced to death by firing squad with confiscation of property. He was executed on 12 August 1952. His ashes were interred in Common Grave No. 3 for Unclaimed Ashes at the New Donskoy Cemetery in Moscow. He was rehabilitated in 1955.

1950s

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The Final Statement

‘In conclusion, I wish to tell the court that I consider my conscience clear before the Party and the Soviet people.’

Citizens of the Military Collegium! In my final statement, I would like to say a few words about my life.

I was eighteen years old when the Great October Revolution took place. By that time, I carried no burden of nationalism. After the Revolution, I became a full citizen of the USSR, and to this day I have never disgraced that high honour.

I came to the State Jewish Theatre entirely by chance, and it later became the tragedy of my entire life.

I have not yet told the court that when Investigator Pogrebnoy informed me of the closure of the Jewish Theatre, I told him that it was the right decision, that I had already recognised the necessity of doing so and had seen my future on the stage of a Russian theatre and in cinema.

In conclusion, I wish to tell the court that I consider my conscience clear before the Party and the Soviet people. I have done nothing hostile or malicious. If the Military Collegium believes me and restores my freedom, I promise to prove through honest work my devotion to the Party, the Soviet Government, and the Soviet people.

11 July 1952,
Military Collegium of the Supreme Court, Moscow, USSR.
Source: ‘An Unjust Trial: Stalin’s Last Execution’.
Further reading: Wikipedia.
Photo: Kino-teatr.ru.