Mr. Speaker. I join my distinguished colleagues in urging the Soviet Union to grant an exit visa to Prisoner of Conscience Ida Nudel. and thereby honor its commitment to human rights as set forth in the Helsinki accords. to which the Soviet Union is a signatory. Ida Nudels is a story of great personal courage and heroism. Since 1978 Ida has been held a prisoner in Siberia on charges of malicious hooliganism. Her crime was that she dared to speak out for those. like herself. who wished to leave the Soviet Union to join family members outside the country. Ida began speaking out for her fellow refuseniks in 1971. after her own application for an exit visa was denied. Harassed for 7 years by Soviet authorities. she was arrested and sentenced to internal exile in 1978 after hanging a banner outside her apartment window that read. "KGB. Give Me My Visa." Happily. Ida is scheduled to be released later this month. Her exceptional bravery and horrible situation have attracted the attention of myself and many other Members of Congress who are all extremely encouraged by this news and celebrate with Idas family and friends her longawaited freedom. But there is still one battle that remains for Ida Nudel. one every bit as crucial as that which she has been waging for the past 7 years. and one in which our continued support is just as vital. Upon release from the Siberian village where she is being held. Ida will reapply for an exit visa to Israel. where she hopes to join her sister. Elena Fridman. For 7 years Ida Nudel. the Guardian Angel of Soviet Prisoners of Conscience. provided the support to her fellow refuseniks which enabled them to carry on their battle.
Keywords matched
visa Visa