Speech #930027598

Mr. Speaker. another instance of Soviet harassment of Soviet Jews has been brought to our attention. Mark Yampolsky. 25yearold recent emigrant from the Soviet Union to Israel. began a hunger strike this morning in front of the Soviet Embassy. His purpose is to get the Soviet authorities to allow his wifes family to leave Russia. A similar hunger strike by the parents and sister of Marks wife at the Central Telephone Station in Novosibirsk. Siberia. is now in its 6th day. Marks wife Eleanora. is on a hunger strike in front of the Soviet Embassy in London. Mark. who is from Kiev. and his wife Eleanora. from Novosibirsk. were granted permission several months ago to emigrate to Israel together with Eleanoras grandfather after considerable harassment from the Russian authorities. However. Eleanoras parents and sister. the Poltinnikovs. who also applied last year to leave Russia have had their emigration application denied. Last Thursday. Eleanoras grandfather. who was recuperating in Switzerland prior to continuing his journey from Russia to Israel. died at the age of 84. The funeral is to take place April 6. The Poltinnikovs began an immediate hunger strike in the emigration office of Novosibirsk to press the Russian authorities to allow them to attend the funeral in Switzerland and. subsequently. to emigrate to Israel. Mark and Eleanora decided to resort to hunger strikes when Eleanora was told 2 days ago by telephone by the Russian authorities that "your parents will never be allowed to emigrate." Dr. Isaac Poltinnikov. 53. Marks fatherinlaw. is an outstanding ophthalmologist who retired 2 years ago. Since applying to emigrate to Israel last summer. he has had his pension suspended. In addition. the family has been subjected to ceaseless ordeals and abuses. in-