An aircraft hijack to escape from the Soviet Union (258)

Cold War Conversations

Ian Sanders

Society & Culture, Documentary, History

4.8 • 758 Ratings

🗓️ 21 October 2022

⏱️ 46 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

Back in the 1970s, migrating from the Soviet Union was an unattainable dream for many, particularly Jews wanting to leave for Israel. To leave the Soviet Union for another country, it was necessary to obtain exit visas. In practice, many people found them impossible to get. On the morning of June 15, 1970, 16 Soviet Jews who had been refused exit visas appeared at Smolny Airport near Leningrad to hijack a plane. They posed as a group going to a wedding — hence the name of the operation. The plan devised a year before the attempted hijacking, was quite straightforward. The hijackers would target a small aeroplane and book all the seats on it. They would commandeer the aircraft and leave the pilots unharmed on the landing strip, while one of the conspirators would take control of the aeroplane and fly it to Sweden. I speak with filmmaker Anat Zalmanson-Kuznetsov whose film “Operation Wedding” reveals the compelling story of her parents, the leaders of the group. 0:00 Introduction and background on Soviet Union migration 7:22 The Struggle of Soviet Jews' Emigration 11:16 The Origin and Execution of Operation Wedding 17:03 The Arrests and Aftermath of Operation Wedding 24:36 Prison Conditions and International Reaction 30:17 Influences and Interventions: Golda Meir and Franco 33:03 Soviet Restrictions on Emigration and Its Impact 35:22 Release and Life Post-Prison for Anat's Parents 40:52 The Making of the Film "Operation Wedding" 42:49 Acknowledgement of Supporters and Closing Remarks Table of contents powered by PodcastAI✨ Cold War history is disappearing; however, a simple monthly donation will keep this podcast on the air. You’ll become part of our community and get a sought after CWC coaster as a thank you and you’ll bask in the warm glow of knowing you are helping to preserve Cold War history. One-off donations are also welcome. Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/ If a monthly contribution is not your cup of tea, We also welcome one-off donations via the same link. I am delighted to welcome Anat Zalmanson-Kuznetsov to our Cold War conversation… Episode notes and full film here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode258/ Support the project! https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/ Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColdWarPod Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/ Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcript

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0:00.0	Welcome to Cold War Conversations, the home of real stories of the Cold War.
0:05.9	Timothy Shalame is Bob Dylan and a complete unknown.
0:09.4	If anyone who's going to hold your attention on the state, you have to kind of be a freak.
0:13.9	Critics agree it's outstanding on every level. Five stars.
0:19.1	Shalemay is a revelation.
0:21.7	What do you want to be?
0:23.4	Whatever it is, they don't want me to be.
0:25.3	Now nominated for the Golden Globes for Best Picture, Best Actor
0:26.8	and Best Supporting Actor, Edward Norton.
0:29.3	A complete unknown.
0:30.6	Ladies and gentlemen, Bob Bill!
0:32.5	In Cinemas, January 17,
0:34.5	rated 15.
0:36.5	I received this sentence as I expected and try to control my feelings, not to show that I am afraid.
0:49.6	This is Cold War Conversations.
0:53.2	If you're new here, you've come to the right place to listen to
0:56.6	first-hand Cold War history accounts. Do make sure you follow us in your podcast app or join our
1:03.2	emailing list to keep up with the latest episode. Back in the 1970s, migrating from the Soviet Union was an unattainable dream for many,
1:14.6	particularly Jews wanting to leave for Israel.
1:18.3	To leave the Soviet Union for another country, it was necessary to obtain exit visas.
1:24.4	In practice, many people found them impossible to get.
1:28.8	On the morning of June 15th, 1970, 16 Soviet Jews who had been refused exit visas appeared
	...

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