History of the Russian Mennonites

In news (2022) from Ukraine we see some women active in the resistance against Russia.Is there any record of Mennonite women “rebels” against Moscow-based repression? In 1930 there were more than 3,700 recorded anti-Soviet, anti-collective farm, anti-kulakization “mass disturbances” in the USSR undertaken almost exclusively by women . “Vigrous action” … “some armed with pitchforks, sticks, stakes, and knives” with disturbances that would last several days ( note 1 ). Did Mennonites participate or lead in any such “rebellions”? Thousands had been turned back home after hoping to flee via Moscow in Fall 1929 and immigrate to Canada. Many of these refused to plant crops in 1930 and were intent on trying again to leave. There is a record of one Mennonite rebellion in 1930—and with a woman leader ( note 2 ). There may have been others. The following fascinating account is based on the work of Abram A. Fast, written in Russian ( note 3 ). Johann Martin Winter, a “kulak” emigration leader fro...