Speaker. I would like to call to my colleagues attention one more instance of the denial of human liberties. Boris Levitas. a 20yearold Soviet Jew. applied for emigration with his family. While his family was granted permission and emigrated to Israel. Boris visa was denied as he lived in a city other than the family home. After his familys arrival in Israel. Boris was told by his superiors at the institute where he was a student that he must make public antiIsrael statements. He refused and again applied for emigration. Despite the fact that he was an outstanding student. Boris was then told that he had failed an examination and was dismissed from the institute. making him liable for military conscription. He was also told that his application for emigration had again been refused. because while at the institute he had attended classes on basic military training which included instructions on the use of a rifle and other information on military regulations. This is despite the fact that the manual used in these courses is available for purchase by any Soviet citizen or tourist from any bookstore. Shortly thereafter. he was advised he was to be drafted for 2 years of military service. Thus. Boris Levitas. who only sought permission to emigrate. has been confronted with the alternative of 2 years of military service or. if he should refuse to serve. 3 years in a labor camp. While I firmly believe in detente. I would like to remind my colleagues that our partner in detente in this case has not shown concern for the rights of its own citizens.
Keywords matched
emigrate emigration emigrated visa