Mr. Speaker. I would like to take this opportunity to call to the attention of my colleagues the plight of Isak Shkolnik. a refusenik and former prisoner of conscience who is seeking permission to emigrate from the Soviet Union. Isak first sought exit visas for himself and his family 10 years ago. As a result of his desire to emigrate. Isak was arrested in July 1972. allegedly for treason. It was charged that he had collected classified information which he planned to pass on to enemies of the Soviet Union. Although no evidence was found to substantiate the charges. Isak was sentenced to 7 years in a Soviet prison camp. During that time. his wife Feiga and daughter Luiza were permitted to emigrate to Israel. They are now living in Jerusalem. waiting to be reunited with their beloved Isak. Since his release from prison nearly 3 years ago. Isak has continued his brave struggle to emigrate to Israel. Separated from his family for nearly 10 years. he seeks only to enjoy those rights guaranteed by the Helsinki accords. which the Soviet Union has signed. By denying Isak his right to emigrate to join his family. Soviet officials are guilty of a blatant violation of these accords. On July 16 of last year.
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emigrate visas