Economists for Ida Nudel

Two nationally renowned economists, Drs. Robert Lekachman and Herbert Bienstock have announced the formation of “Economists for Ida Nudel,” a professional coalition of some 20 prominent peers of the Soviet Jewish Prisoner of Conscience. Ms. Nudel, who was imprisoned in June 1978, is serving a four-year sentence of exile in Siberia.

Lekachman, distinguished Professor of Economics of Lehman College and the Graduate School of the City University of New York, and Bienstock former Regional Commissioner of Labor Statistics, noted that their efforts as co-chairmen of the committee are part of a concerted campaign to “keep human rights central to any U.S.-USSR priorities during these uncertain times.” Economists for Ida Nudel is an affiliated group of the Greater New York Conference on Soviet Jewry.

Among the members of the committee are Fritz Machlup, Princeton University; Solomon Fabricant, National Bureau of Economic Research; Roy Helfgott, New Jersey Institute of Technology; William Hamovitch, Pravast of Queens College; Robert Heilbronner, New School of Social Research; and Lozar Teper, director of research, International Ladies Garment Workers Union.

Lekachman, affirming the economists’ commitment to Ms. Nudel’s cause, said “Ms. Nudel’s courageous campaign has sought to secure a right to emigrate guaranteed by Soviet and international law. Her profession has been used to deny this right on the specious grounds of ‘state security’ in a way which puts every professional of intellectual in jeopardy. We cannot countenance this threat in silence.”

The economists noted that despite the recent chilling in U.S.-Soviet relations, “There is never a wrong time to speak out for individual rights and human freedoms.” They expressed their hope that “Ms. Nudel will be freed by the Soviets as they attempt to prove their right to continue as a member of the international civilized community.”