Like so many of his fellow refuseniks. Lev Blitshtein is no stranger to the harshness and cruelty of the Soviet regime and its calculated campaign of terror and discrimination against Soviet Jews. Lev Blitshtein and his family first made application for an emigration visa in June 1974. Their request was denied in January 1975 and Lev was subsequently dismissed from his job as foreman at the slaughter house and sausage plants for the Ministry of Meat and Dairy. Soviet authorities did not cite specific reasons for the refusal but alluded to interests of state and secrecy as prime considerations behind the decision. But the Visa Office later assured the family that it would receive a visa 1 year later. Distrustful of the Soviets pledge and aware of similar unfulfilled promises to other refuseniks. Lev began to write letters to Soviet officials. But the only reply to his letters was a strong warning from the KGB to "stop writing or you will be repressed." Lev later asked the Visa Office if his wife. Blumah. and his son. Boris. could apply separately from him. but this request was also denied. They told him since it was not humane to separate families. the Blitshteins should file for divorce. A divorce was granted and Blumah and her son Boris reapplied for an emigration visa which they received soon thereafter. They left the U.S.S.R. in October 1975. Levs daughter.
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emigration visa Visa