Search JTA's historical archive dating back to 1923

Russian Security Forces Nab Neo-Nazis Who Aimed to Torch ‘Schindler’ Cinemas

July 7, 1994
See Original Daily Bulletin From This Date
Advertisement

Security forces here recently arrested members of a gang of Russian neo-Nazis who aimed to burn down Moscow cinemas screening "Schindler’s List," the Oscar-winning film about a German Nazi industrialist who saved 1,100 Jews during the Holocaust.

The gang, which called itself Werewolf, also planned a terror campaign against "those belonging to other ideologies — democrats, Communists and Jews," according to a document seized by the Russian Federal Counterintelligence Service.

Alexander Zdanovich, a spokesman for the counterintelligence service, said security agents confiscated a large number of arms from the commercial firm where the gang secretly operated.

He added that the gang’s leader, who oversaw security for the firm, had an office decorated with portraits of Adolf Hitler, Nazi emblems and swastikas.

Werewolf was the code name for a secret Nazi operation to help top officers go underground at the end of World War II.

"Schindler’s List" was meant to open in Russia last month with a personal visit from producer/director Steven Spielberg. However, the premiere was postponed when Spielberg canceled his visit because of other work commitments.

Recommended from JTA

Advertisement