Alexander Kouts Libros

The war in Ukraine serves as a stark reminder of the previous devastating conflict and its fighters. Alexander Kouts (Shura), a fighter against the Nazis in the Ukrainian forests during World War II, later became a public figure in Poland and helped establish the pharmaceutical industry in Israel. His testimony, recorded after his arrival in Israel, offers insights into the situation in Ukraine and Jewish communities before the Nazi invasion in June 1942. It primarily recounts his experiences fighting the Nazis, first as a partisan and later as a commander of elite Soviet units. The narrative transitions to his time in Poland, where he held senior public offices before immigrating to Israel. Kouts's testimony is presented in fluent Hebrew, reflecting his education at "Tarbut" schools. His firsthand account provides clarity on key historical topics. Despite his earlier involvement in the communist movement, he maintains a critical perspective on its shortcomings, including the suppression of democracy and antisemitism during the war. His humanism and belief in the value of work are evident, emphasizing the importance of being "useful" for survival. Kouts proudly identifies as a Jew, steadfast in his commitment to his heritage despite the personal costs. His narrative is marked by precision and humility, avoiding romanticization and emphasizing intelligence and planning. He emerges as both a strong, muscular figure and an inte