Nachman Khomak. an electical cable technician. retired in 1973. On July 18. 1977. Nachman submitted his first emigration application along with his wife Soibla and daughter Bella. Three months later. they received a refusal for "regime considerations." In April of 1978. Bella applied separately for permission to leave the Soviet Union. After numerous refusals and scores of appeals. Bella was finally permitted to emigrate to Israel in January 1979. Nachman and Soibla Khomak are retired pensioners over the age of 70. Both are in poor health. Last January. the Nachmans were invited by the Soviet visa bureau to submit new applications for exit visas. With renewed hope. the Nachmans diligently prepared the documentation necessary for visa applications. only to be denied once again 2 months later. The agony and suffering endured by the Khomak family is indicative of the plight of Jews throughout the Soviet Union who desire nothing more than to be granted their right to emigrate and join relatives in Israel. I plan to issue an appeal to Soviet officials on the behalf of the Khomaks in the near future and I would welcome the support of my colleagues in this effort. As Members of Congress. we have an obligation to call upon the Soviet Union to abide by its treaty commitments and uphold basic human rights so that the Khomaks and the many others who share their predicament may emigrate and finally be free from harassment and persecution. Our continued support is essential for these tormented Soviet citizens who are punished daily for the "crime" of wanting to live freely as Jews.*
Keywords matched
visas emigrate emigration visa