General David Dragunsky, twice a Hero of the Soviet Union, told a press conference here today that “Jews can leave the Soviet Union” but that only a small number of elderly persons wanted to do so.
General Dragunsky, who is here to attend the national Congress of a French Jewish Communist group, the Union of Jews for Resistance and Mutual Help, denied the reports of an arson attempt last Rosh Hashanah at the Moscow suburb of Malakhovka. He said he lived near the suburb.
Denying other charges of anti-Jewish discrimination in the Soviet Union, the General cited his own case as an example of the possibilities for Russian Jews to rise to the highest posts and honors in Russia. He added he was proud to have his passport stamped as of Jewish nationality.
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
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.
