It was during this visit that I was able to meet many "refuseniks" including Mr. Anatoly Scharanskys mother. I learned. firsthand. the ordeal which they have and will continue to face until they are permitted to emigrate to the country of their choice. I would like to take this time to call our attention to one particular family which has been trying to emigrate to Israel since 1973. Ilya Khakham. his wife Clara. and their child were separated from Ilyas parents when they were refused permission to emigrate together to Israel. Ilya. a carpenter by trade. was denied permission because of his service in the army between 1969 and 1971. The Soviet Union determined that he was a security risk and has refused his attempts for permission to emigrate. Mr. Khakhams plight is made even more poignant by the fact that his parents were allowed to leave in February 1973. and now reside in Israel with the hopes that they will soon be joined by their children and grandchildren. This is just one of many cases to which I hope. through our efforts. we will be able to bring about a positive outcome. Perhaps through our continued interest. concern. and participation. we will be able to influence the Soviet Union to alter its emigration policies and. on a larger scale. their human rights policies. I look forward to the time when participation in the congressional Soviet Jewry vigil will no longer be necessary. and we will. instead. be celebrating the freedom and reunion of these individuals who are struggling now.*
Keywords matched
emigrate emigration