The Cantonists: The Jewish Children's Army of the Tsar

The Cantonists: The Jewish Children's Army of the Tsar
by Larry Domnitch
Publishers: Devora Publishing
Edition: Paperback / Hardcover
Product Details
Paperback: 152 pages ; Dimensions (in inches): 0.37 x 8.90 x 6.10
Publisher: Devora Publishing; (March 18, 2004)
ISBN: 1930143850
Editorial Reviews
About the Author
Larry Domnitch has degrees in both political science and Jewish history. He writes extensively for newspapers and journals throughout the United States and Israel, especially about this unique period of history.
Book Description
The Cantonist era was a terrifying episode in Jewish history, and one that is etched in the collective memory of the Jewish people. Tsar Nicholas of Russia conscripted thousands of Jewish children – some as young as 6 years old – into his army for up to 25 years! The Tsar's declared goal was nothing less than to convert these children to Christianity; for him, their baptism was of the highest priority. This book reveals the struggle of these youngsters to maintain their Judaism against impossible odds. Many failed. But some, like Golda Meir's grandfather, succeeded in reclaiming their heritage and reconnecting the chain of Jewish tradition. Today, thousands of Jews are descendants of those stalwart Cantonists.
Jewish - General