Nisselovich, Leopold

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NISSELOVICH, LEOPOLD

NISSELOVICH, LEOPOLD (Eliezer ; 1856–1914), delegate to the Third *Duma in Russia. He was born in Bauska district of Courland, Latvia. After graduating from the law faculty of the University of St. Petersburg (1880), he was employed in the Ministry of Finance. In connection with his work he wrote several studies on economic legislation and on the economic and financial institutions of Russia. In 1882 he left his government post to practice law. In the elections to the Third Duma (1907), he was chosen as representative for Courland province. He joined the Cadet Party (the Russian liberals) on the explicit condition that he would not have to follow the party line in matters concerning Jews. Together with his colleague, N. Friedmann, he represented the Russian Jews at this Duma, and both were frequently the target of attacks by rightist members. Nisselovich was responsible for the bill proposing the abolition of the *Pale of Settlement, presented to the Duma on May 31, 1910, with the signatures of 166 members. The bill was transferred for consideration to the Duma commission on personal freedom but did not reach the full session for debate and vote. His activities in the Duma, and fights against antisemitism, severely undermined his health, and he did not offer his candidacy for the 4th Duma. Nisselovich died in Geneva.

bibliography:

Y. Maor, in: He-Avar, 7 (1960), 65–84.

[Yehuda Slutsky]