Of Prophet and Loss: Whither Sharansky's Heroic Stature?

Publication Date: July 2009

Publisher: National Jewish Center for Learning and Leadership (U.S.)

Author(s): Walter Ruby

Research Area: Culture and religion

Keywords: Leadership; Jewish Unity; Political Behavior; Conflict Resolution

Type: Brief

Coverage: United States

Abstract:

The author describes his initial admiration of Natan Sharansky, who in the late 20th century showed promise of being able to unite the Jewish community with each other, and the rest of the world. The author describes Sharansky during the 1970s and 1980s as the greatest moral leader in the Jewish world. However, the author moves onto express how Sharansky, who later became the Housing Minister in Ariel Sharon's new government, may not have lived up this potential, as he abandoned his vision of a more united Jewish community and instead devoted himself to Israeli right-wing politics.