Liubov. a teacher. applied to the local OVIRpassport officefor exit permits to Israel. Treer said that he wished to be reunited with his brother. But OVIR ignored Treers eligibility to emigrate under the "reunion of families" policy and twice rejected his application. This elderly. ailing man made trips to Kiev and to Moscow to have his application reviewed. but it was returned to the local OVIR. Again emigration permits were denied. The Treers were told that since they were born in the Soviet Union they were obliged to live only in the Soviet Union. Another high official told them that as long as he lived and was in a position of authority they could not leave Zaporozhye. On July 15. 1973. Treer wrote to the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet describing his plight and stated: I want to spend the last years of my life in my historical homeland together with my relatives. Months have passed and the father and daughter are still waiting for permission to emigrate to Israel. The Soviet Union must lift these restrictions on free emigration. It is urgent that the 93d session of this House pass the MillsVanik amendment by an overwhelming majority and go on record as being on the side of human freedom.
Keywords matched
emigrate emigration