According to Jewish sources in the Soviet Union and confirmed today by the National Conference on Soviet Jewry, some Soviet Jews who were dismissed when they first applied to emigrate to Israel have been offered their old jobs on condition that they withdraw their applications for visas to Israel. It was reported, however, that many of them would be getting only half of their previous salaries.
One of the most prominent among the group was 26-year-old astrophysicist Evgeny Levich, who was recently released following one year of imprisonment in a military installation. In what appeared to be a conciliatory gesture, Soviet authorities did not require that he renounce his intention of emigrating. Observers pointed out that the gesture may hold some danger for the young Levich in that the sensitive nature of his work might be used to prevent his departure at a later date. (Soviet workers are rarely told of the security clearances they have been given or of the travel restrictions these entail.)
Stanley H. Lowell, NCSJ chairman, commented: “if in fact this represents a change in policy and applicants for emigration are not made to live in limbo, then it is most welcome. If. however, this represents subtle bribery or extortion, then U.S. citizens, especially our Congress, will be very alert to the implications of a possible new tactic aimed at halting the emigration of certain Jews.”
Lowell further explained, “It is important to remember that there are close to 2000 ‘hard-core’ cases who have received repeated denials and who, in many instances, have been living in limbo for many years. They are not allowed to live and not allowed to leave.”
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The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
