When Anti-Semitism Bowed to Sportsmanship: Rubinstein and the Czar’s Policemen

Type of resource
Author/collaborator
Title
When Anti-Semitism Bowed to Sportsmanship: Rubinstein and the Czar’s Policemen
Abstract
The Montreal-born Louis Rubenstein (1857-1931) was the Canadian and North American figure-skating champion in the 1880s. In 1889 the Amateur Skating Association of Canada chose Rubenstein to represent the country at the international figure-skating competition to be held in St Petersburg, Russia, the following February. Because Tsarist Russia was very anti-Semitic at the time, Rubenstein was given a letter from Canada's Governor General, Lord Stanley, to be given to the British ambassador in St Petersburg in case any problems should arise because of his Jewish origins. Soon after his arrival in Russia, Rubenstein’s passport was confiscated, and he was ordered to leave the country. Rubenstein gave Lord Stanley's letter to the British ambassador, who retrieved his passport, and Rubenstein was allowed to compete. He won the international competition but was ordered out of Russia immediately after. Rubenstein retired from skating in 1892.
Publication
Canadian Jewish Historical Society Journal
Volume
Vol. 7
Pages
89-92
Date
1983
Language
en
Citation
Chiel, Arthur A. “When Anti-Semitism Bowed to Sportsmanship: Rubinstein and the Czar’s Policemen.” Canadian Jewish Historical Society Journal Vol. 7 (1983): 89–92.
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