Vladimir Begun

Vladimir Yakovlevich Begun(Russian:Влади́мир Яковлевич Бегу́н;1929–1989) was a prominent officialZionologistin theSoviet Union.He was a senior writer and researcher at the Institute for Philosophy and Law of theBelarusian Academy of Sciences,a statecommunistpropagandist, and a member of the Union of Journalists of the USSR.

Begun's works focused on themes such as the Jewish conspiracy against communist countries.He characterized Zionism as the worst enemy of communism and an extended arm of Western imperialism.Together with other propagandists, he blamedJudaismandTorahas the roots of the Zionist danger.He maintained that it legitimized a "chosen people" ideology of racial superiority.

One of his controversial books, "The Encroaching Counter Revolution,"caused some controversy. In November 1975, the leading Soviet historian, academician M. Korostovtsev, criticized it, stating,"...it perceptibly stirs upanti-Semitismunder the flag ofanti-Zionism."According to Wolf Rubinchyk, a researcher based in Minsk, Begun's notorious bookThe Invasion without Armswas used not only by official propagandists but also by some members of the counter-elite, young Belarusian nationalists, who were suspicious about Zionism. Rubinchyk also pointed out falsifications ofSimon Dubnow's ideas by Begun.

Begun gained a certain position in the Soviethierarchyand was transferred from provincialMinsktoMoscow.Until his death, he staunchly opposed bringingMarc Chagall's exhibition toBelarus,the famous artist's place of birth, on "anti-Zionist" grounds.