The Cantonists: The Jewish Children's Army of the Tsar

Here, for the first time, are dozens of previously untold accounts gleaned from the records of thousands of Jewish families whose lives were destroyed when Tsar Nicholas of Russia conscripted Jewish children into his army -- for up to 25 years! The Tsar's declared goal was to convert these children to Christianity. This book also reveals the struggle of these youngsters -- ages 12 and above -- to maintain their Judaism against impossible odds.