Jewish dissident Benjamin Levich, a well-known Soviet physicist, was granted permission yesterday to emigrate, according to reports from Moscow.
The 61-year-old scientist told reporters in Moscow yesterday: “I was assured by Academy of Science officials that I have permission to emigrate and this was confirmed by Interior Ministry officials.” The case of Levich, who applied almost seven years ago for an exit visa, received special attention last month by Sen. Edward M. Kennedy (D.Mass.). Kennedy brought up the case of Levich during a two-hour conversation the Senator had with Soviet President Leonid Brezhnev in the Kremlin.
Levich and his wife, Tanya, were refused permission to emigrate on the grounds of state secrecy. The Leviches said they intend to live in Israel, although Levich has received offers from more than two dozen American universities for teaching positions. The couple’s two sons, both scientists, were allowed to leave the Soviet Union three years ago.
Kennedy’s intervention on behalf of Levich was seen as the reason for the Soviet consent to grant Levich permission to leave. Kennedy also mentioned during his talk with Brezhnev the names of 17 other families he was concerned about who were also attempting to emigrate.
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