A Ukrainian-Israeli physicist and academic who made significant contributions to the fields of quantum mechanics, thermodynamics, and statistical physics, particularly in the area of non-equilibrium thermodynamics.
Benjamin Fain was a renowned Israeli physicist, professor, and former refusenik who lived a life marked by courage, conviction, and an unwavering commitment to his people. Born in Kyiv, Ukraine in 1930, Fain's remarkable journey took him from the esteemed halls of Soviet academia to the forefront of the Jewish rights movement, earning him a reputation as a beacon of hope and defiance in the face of oppression.
Fain's love for science was instilled in him by his mathematician father, who encouraged his curiosity and nurtured a strong national sentiment. During World War II, the family was evacuated and relocated several times, eventually settling in Dushanbe, where Fain completed his schooling. He went on to study at the Moscow Institute of Energetics, where he developed a passion for physics and was inspired by the visit of Golda Meir, Israel's first ambassador to the USSR.
Fain's academic prowess earned him a professorship at Gorky University, where he graduated summa cum laude under the tutelage of future Nobel laureate Vitaly Ginzburg. He went on to publish several scientific books translated into English and German, solidifying his reputation as a leading physicist. However, it was his involvement in the Zionist movement and his application for an exit visa to Israel in 1974 that led to his dismissal from his job and his designation as a refusenik.
In 1976, Fain initiated a groundbreaking sociological research project on Soviet Jewry, which aimed to shed light on the experiences and challenges faced by Jewish communities in the USSR. Despite facing intense scrutiny and harassment from the KGB, Fain persisted in his work, eventually becoming a prominent figure in the refusenik movement.
Fain's unwavering dedication to his people and his principles earned him international recognition and acclaim. His story serves as a testament to the power of courage and conviction in the face of adversity, inspiring generations to come. Through his work, Fain left an indelible mark on the scientific community, the Jewish rights movement, and the world at large.
Fain once said, "As a scientist, I always sought to uncover the truth. As a Jew, I realized that the greatest truth of all is the right to live freely and proudly."
Born in 1908
A renowned physicist and academic who made groundbreaking contributions to our understanding of quantum mechanics, superfluidity, and particle physics, earning a Nobel Prize in Physics in 1962.
Born in 1919
Theoretical physicist and academic who made significant contributions to the development of quantum field theory and cosmology, particularly in the area of black holes and the early universe.
Born in 1921
A Soviet physicist and dissident who advocated for human rights and nuclear disarmament, earning a Nobel Peace Prize in 1975. He's known for his courageous stance against the Soviet regime, promoting peace and democracy.
Born in 1916
A Soviet physicist who made groundbreaking contributions to the theory of superconductivity and superfluidity, earning him the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2003.
