In 1971. Mark and his mother. Ita. submitted their first applications for exit visas. but were turned down immediately with the excuse that they must be punished for his fathers betrayal of the motherland. In March of 1972. Nashpitz was called up for military reserve duty. He refused to serve because it would be against his conscience to serve in the Soviet Army after he had already renounced his Soviet citizenship in anticipation of emigrating to Israel. As punishment. he was sentenced to 1 year of physical labor to rectify his "perverted ways." Upon his return to Moscow. Nashpits was continually harassed and constantly followed by the KGB. In the summer of 1974. Marks mother was finally permitted to leave for Israel. Several months later. the KGB promised Nashpitz an exit visa if he would agree to collaborate and spy on Jewish activists who had applied for exit visas. Even though he was warned that his refusal would lead to his arrest on a fabricated charge. he refused. On February 24. 1975.
Keywords matched
visas visa emigrating