What happened today in history?
What happened
today in history?
Oct 16
Back

Armand Hammer's Return to the US with David Goldfarb

The Momentous Return of Armand Hammer

Armand Hammer: A Legendary Philanthropist

In the tumultuous decade of the 1980s, Armand Hammer, an American businessman and philanthropist, significantly impacted international relations, particularly between the United States and the Soviet Union. Known for his dynamic career in business and philanthropy, Hammer was a critical bridge in the thawing of Cold War tensions. His return to the US in 1986 with David Goldfarb, a Jewish refusenik, marked a significant chapter in human rights advocacy.

David Goldfarb: A Symbol of Perseverance

David Goldfarb exemplified the struggles faced by many Jewish individuals in the Soviet Union. As a potential emigrant, Goldfarb became a refusenik, a term used to describe Soviet Jews who were denied permission to emigrate due to discriminatory policies. His eventual reunion with family in the United States through Hammer's efforts highlighted the plight of countless others who sought freedom.

The Impact of Their Journey

Human Rights and the Role of Business

Armand Hammer's involvement in the case of David Goldfarb revealed the profound intersection of business and human rights. Hammer used his influence to advocate for Goldfarb's release, showcasing the potential for public personalities to effect positive change in international human rights. His return was not just the culmination of personal advocacy but a clarion call for action against discrimination.

Legacies of Hammer and Goldfarb

The successful return of David Goldfarb also served as a platform for discussions on Jewish emigration policies worldwide. Both Hammer's philanthropic endeavors and Goldfarb's resilience remain pivotal stories in the narrative arc of Jewish heritage in the 20th century. Their journey fostered a greater awareness of the struggles faced by refuseniks and condemned oppressive governmental policies.

Fun Fact

Armand Hammer's Unique Background

Did you know that Armand Hammer had family ties to the famed Hollywood estate? He was a distant relative of the Hammer family which owned the Hammer Museum in Los Angeles.

Additional Resources

Recommended Reading on Armand Hammer and David Goldfarb

For those keen on discovering more about this impactful encounter, consider exploring “Armand Hammer: The Untold Story” or the biography “Refusenik: The Fight Against Soviet Oppression”. These texts explore both Hammer's influence and the broader context of Jewish life under Soviet rule.