Date of Birth: January 20, 1948
Zodiac Sign: Aquarius
Biography
Natan Sharansky, born Anatoly Borisovich Shcharansky, is an Israeli politician, human rights activist, and author known for his advocacy for Soviet Jews and his role in the refusenik movement. Born on January 20, 1948, in Donetsk, Ukraine, then part of the Soviet Union, Sharansky became a prominent figure in the struggle for Jewish emigration rights from the USSR. He was arrested in 1977 on charges of treason and espionage and spent nine years in Soviet prisons and labor camps. Following an international campaign for his release, Sharansky was freed in 1986 and emigrated to Israel. In Israel, Sharansky became involved in politics, serving in various ministerial positions, including Deputy Prime Minister. He is the author of several books, including “Fear No Evil,” which recounts his experiences in Soviet prison, and “The Case for Democracy,” which promotes the importance of democratic governance. Sharansky’s work has earned him numerous accolades, including the Congressional Gold Medal and the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
5 Interesting Facts about Natan Sharansky
1. Natan Sharansky was one of the most famous refuseniks, Jews who were denied permission to emigrate from the Soviet Union.
2. He was a chess prodigy in his youth and used his skills to maintain his mental sharpness during his imprisonment.
3. Sharansky co-founded the Zionist Forum, an organization dedicated to assisting Jewish immigrants in Israel.
4. He served as the Chairman of the Executive of the Jewish Agency for Israel from 2009 to 2018.
5. Sharansky was awarded the Ronald Reagan Freedom Award in 2005 for his contributions to the cause of freedom and democracy.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Natan Sharansky
1. “I am confident that Jews and Arabs can live together in peace. I am confident that democracy will prevail in the Middle East.”
2. “Freedom is for everyone, or it is for no one.”
3. “The most important thing is never to be afraid to speak the truth.”
4. “When you are in a prison cell, the walls are very small, but the sky is infinite.”
5. “I have always said that in order to be a real dissident, you have to be a little bit crazy.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
The highest net worth achieved by Natan Sharansky is estimated to be around $10 million.
Children
Natan Sharansky has two daughters, Rachel and Hannah, with his wife Avital Sharansky.
Relevant Links
1. [Natan Sharansky – Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natan_Sharansky
4. [Natan Sharansky – “Fear No Evil” Book Review](https://www.publishersweekly.com/9780394509698
