As she is due to be released from internal exile very soon. it is imperative that we let the Soviets know we have not abandoned this heroine. Ms. Nudel was arrested on June 2. 1978. for "malicious hooliganism." the traditional charge made against Soviet Jewish activists who seek only to practice their religion or emigrate to Israel. She was arrested because she had hung a banner saying. "KGB. Give Me My Visa" outside her apartment window the previous day. But as she said after she was sentenced later that month. her real crime was that. "During these (past) 7 years I have learned to walk proudly with my head high as a human being and as a Jewish woman." Ida Nudel first applied to emigrate in May 1971. but emigration was consistently denied for reasons of state security. This was a patent fabrication. as Nudel has no knowledge of state secrets. During the time between her application to emigrate and her arrest. Nudel lived alone in Moscow. Her apartment was raided frequently. and her personal effects often confiscated. Despite continual KGB harassment. Nudel continued her campaign to get permission to emigrate. She also continued her efforts on behalf of Soviet Prisoners of Conscience. for which she came to be known as the "Guardian Angel." She wrote regularly to them and sent them packages necessary for their survival. Her expressions of solidarity with these Prisoners of Conscience are a model to all of us working for the freedom of citizens imprisoned because they stood up for human dignity.
Keywords matched
emigrate emigration Visa