We are deeply saddened to share the news of the passing of our colleague and CEU alumnus, Evgeny (Zhenya) Belyakov, who died in early July 2025.
Zhenya joined the CEU Democracy Institute as a staff member on April 10, 2025, and was warmly welcomed by colleagues across the university. He also studied at CEU History and International Relations Departments between 2008-2012, earned an MA in Comparative History of Central, Eastern and South-Eastern Europe, and completed the Jewish Studies Specialization. His thesis title was: The Problems of Dissent and Jewish Emigration in Soviet-US Détente (1968-1975) .
An article based on his MA thesis appeared in the CEU Jewish Studies Yearbook, Vol. 6
A committed human rights advocate and political activist, Zhenya fought for justice in his native Russia, in Hungary, and beyond.
His death is a tragic loss for the CEU community and for all who knew him.
An informal memorial gathering in his honor will take place on Thursday, August 7 at Gólya (Orczy út 46–48, District VIII, Budapest). Details and updates can be followed via this Facebook event.
All of us at the CEU Jewish Studies Program extend condolences to Zhenya's family and loved ones. May his memory be an inspiration to all who knew him.