Semenovsky was active in the cause of justice for Soviet Jews. He is currently involved in gathering stories on Jewish life in the U.S.S.R. These activities have not gone unnoticed by Soviet authorities. and are doubtless a major reason for the inability of the Semenovskys to obtain a visa. When the Semenovskys applied for a visa in October of 1986. they were refused on spurious grounds. and both lost their Jobs shortly thereafter. Let us all remember the plight of the Semenovskys. as it is typical of so many Soviet Jews who wish to leave the Soviet Union. and underscores the real state of progress and reform in the Soviet Union in the area of human rights. It will be hard to accept that real change has occurred in the Soviet Union until we see greater respect for basic human rights.