In 1979 the family applied for permission to join Lubas sister Rebecca in Jerusalem. That request was refused on an unknown pretext in February of that year. as were subsequent applications. And although invitations have been sent by Rebecca to her family. they have never arrived. As is so often the case. the official refusal of the emigration request was not the only response the Davidovitch family received from Soviet officials. Gennady was demoted from his position of senior researcher to that of an ordinary engineer. his pay was cut by more than half. Sophia. who had been a radio engineer. was fired from her employment.
Identified stereotypes
Implies that Soviet officials routinely refuse emigration requests and retaliate against those who apply.