Was Leo Tolstoy an Anti-Semite?

As we delve into the explorations of Leo Tolstoy's literary works and his interactions with various communities, it is imperative to scrutinize the question, ldquo;Was Leo Tolstoy an anti-Semite?rdquo; This query has emerged and persistently challenged the revered author's image, especially in light of historical and contemporary uproar. A deep analysis of Tolstoy's stances and actions during crucial periods, such as the 1903 Kishinev pogrom, reveals a complex stance rather than a monolithic anti-Semitic viewpoint.

The Khilnayev Incident and Tolstoy's Stance

In the period preceding the Khilnayev pogrom, which occurred in the Russian Empire city of Kishinev in 1903, there were false reports insinuated by Pavel Krushevan in his newspaper ldquo;Bessarabets.rdquo; These claims linked the deaths of a local boy to Jewish malevolence, as they suggested that the boy was murdered for ceremonial purposes involving his blood, a common antisemitic trope. However, Leo Tolstoy publicly condemned the pogromists and expressed profound sympathy for the Jewish victims in his public statements. His statements were direct and unequivocal, denouncing the violence and societal discord as unacceptable.

Sholem Aleichem and Tolstoy's Support

After the pogrom, Sholem Aleichem, also known as Solomon Rabinovich, approached Tolstoy, asking for support for the Jewish victims. At that time, Rabinovich was not well-known in Russia. Tolstoy, however, agreed to have his future unpublished fairy tales translated and included in a fundraising collection, the proceeds of which would support the victims of the pogrom. In a deeply moving letter to Aleichem, Tolstoy wrote:

Dear Solomon Naumovich,

The terrible atrocity committed in Kishinev has painfully struck me. I will be very glad to contribute to your collection and will try to write something appropriate to the circumstances. Unfortunately, what I have to say is that the perpetrator not only of the Kishinev horrors but of the whole discord settled in some small part— and not popular— of the Russian population is the government. Unfortunately, I cannot say this in the Russian legal edition.

Tolstoy's statement illustrates his personal stance against the government's role in inciting and enabling the pogrom, while also articulating his reservations about public censure in Russia's legal sphere due to governmental censorship and oversight.

Personal Interactions and Identities

Leo Tolstoy's relationships with Jewish individuals provide further context to his stance. Among his friends and associates were several Jews, including the father of Boris Pasternak, another significant figure in Russian literature. Additionally, in 1882, Tolstoy took Hebrew lessons, and many Jews sent him books, indicating an intellectual and cultural connection that transcended the prejudices common to many of his contemporaries. The daughter of the Mitava rabbi, E. Pucher Hirshberg, even shared with him a manuscript, further indicating his engagement with the Jewish literary and cultural milieu.

Expert Opinions and Complexities

Interpreting Tolstoy's stance on anti-Semitism involves a nuanced and multifaceted examination. A clear and definitive answer requires deep expertise in Tolstoy's works and historical context. For instance, an expert article on Leo Tolstoy's views provides a thorough analysis of the author's ideas and actions. This research demonstrates that Tolstoy's views were not monolithic but rather complex, shaped by personal commitments to peace and human dignity as well as an acute awareness of the toll of governmental policies.

In conclusion, Leo Tolstoy's views on anti-Semitism were marked by a nuanced and sometimes conflicting array of stances. While he condemned the violence and society that perpetuated stereotypes, he hesitated to confront the government directly due to concerns about freedom of speech in Russia. These complexities highlight the importance of a critical, informed approach to understanding historical figures and their perspectives on contentious issues.