The Role of Anti-Religious Films in Combating Anti-Semitism during the 1920s-1930s in Soviet Union

Abstract

During the late 1920s and early 1930s, there was a surge of anti-Semitism in the Soviet Union, which was considered the first immediate task since 1926. This wave of Judeophobia was attributed to the socio-economic situation, mistakes made by the state authorities, and chauvinism. While there were some common reasons cited in Soviet literature, anti-Semitism was primarily associated with the imperialist past, survivals, and counter-revolution. To combat anti-Semitism, the Union of Militant Atheists (UMA) was involved, as the fight against Judeophobia was seen as part of anti-religious work. The UMA used cinema as a propaganda tool to attract viewers through the use of anti-religious films.

The article discusses the completion of the publication of M. N. Kefala, which consists of two parts. The first part contains a selection of seven works that cover the Jewish question, while the second part contains materials for a report on anti-Semitism. The fight against anti-Semitism continued until 1932, and the SVB included it in anti-religious propaganda. Methods and tools were developed, and results were achieved, as Judeophobia and distrust were squeezed out of public organizations into the daily sphere of activity due to pressure from the authorities.