Mikhail Botvinnik

Mikhail Botvinnik (August 17 [O.S. August 4] 1911 – May 5, 1995) was a Russian International Grandmaster and long-time World Champion of chess.

About Botvinnik

 * Botvinnik grew up in an assimilated family, but encountered antisemitism in daily life. He displayed courage in the dark years of Stalin and after, and published warm words about Israel, Pinhas Rutenberg, and the kibbutz, defending the right of the Jews to live in their ancient homeland. In contrast to other Jewish cultural activists, he never signed letters condemning Israel.
 * Encyclopaedia Judaica, art. "Botvinnik, Mikhail," by Gerald Abrahams.