Since 1973. they have sought permission to join their oldest daughter in Israel. Time and time again. they have been refused. without explanation. Alexander Maryasin lost his job as an executive in the plant where he worked and his daughter was expelled from the university she was attending. apparently because they applied for permission to emigrate to Israel. The family was forced to sell its possessions merely to exist. Out of desperation. the family went on a hunger strike to try to bring official attention to their plight. No action was ever taken by Soviet authorities. In fact. repeated letters that I have written to Ambassador Dobrynin. President Brezhnev. and OVIR (emigration) officials have gone unanswered. While we have heard much in recent months about the tens of thousands of "refusniks" who have been given permission to emigrate and live where they choose. the Maryasin family is a reminder that there are many. many more Soviet Jews who are arbitrarily denied that opportunity. often at great personal sacrifice. This Nation cannotmust notignore their plea. The Helsinki accords. which the Soviet Union signed. are supposed to insure the right of people to live where they choose and to be unified with their families.
Keywords matched
emigrate emigration