Driven by a deep commitment to aid the victims of Communist oppression. Orest devoted himself to documenting the human rights cases. particularly those involving divided families. an especially poignant task given his own familys history under Soviet domination and repression. He was responsible for compiling and maintaining the lengthy lists of individuals seeking to emigrate from the Soviet Union and Romania. Each spring would bring an opportunity to secure the exit of some of the thousands effectively held hostage in Romania by the Ceausescu regime. Orest was faithful in making representations to the Romanian Embassy on behalf ot all those seeking to exercise their right to leave their country. When Moscow began to accept emigration lists from the Commission in the mid80s. Orests diligent efforts on behalf of refuseniks began to pay off for families. including some with American spouses. who were finally allowed to leave the Soviet Union after a decade or more of waiting. With a passion for Ukraine. his familial homeland.
Keywords matched
emigration emigrate