Soviet Jewish War Hero Loses Army Pension After Applying for Exit Visa

Col. Yefim Davidovich, of Minsk, a much-decorated hero of World War II, has lost his army pension as a result of having applied for an exit visa to emigrate to Israel. Jewish sources in the Soviet Union reported that the retired officer, who holds the title of “Hero of the Red Army “and numerous medals for his exploits on the battlefield against the Nazis, was informed this week that his pension has been stopped.

Davidovich first applied for a visa in 1972 and was promptly turned down. He has been in trouble with the authorities ever since. After he and a Minsk colleague, Capt. Gedalya Kipnis, who was also denied a visa, sent a joint letter of protest to President Nikolai Podgorny of the Supreme Soviet, they were detained and interrogated on charges of “anti-Soviet activities.”

ZALMANSON APPEAL REJECTED

It was also learned from Jewish sources in the Soviet Union today that Silva Zalmanson’s father received word this week that his appeal for a pardon for his daughter has been turned down. Mrs. Zalmanson, convicted at the 1970 Leningrad hijack trial, is serving a 10-year sentence at the Potma labor camp. She is reportedly in bad health. The appeal for pardon was made to Podgorny.

Another instance of harassment of Jews who apply for exit visas was reported from the USSR today. According to Jewish sources there, one of the latest victims is Israiloff Galik, of Nelchik, who applied for a visa last April. Last month, Galik was told by the ovir that his visa application would not be considered unless he agreed to pay alimony to his divorced wife. He signed the necessary papers only to be informed by the visa office that his application was rejected. In an ironic sequel to his plight, hooligans smeared the walls of Galik’s house with the inscription, “Away with you to Israel.” He has appealed for help to the Dutch Embassy which represents Israel’s interests in Moscow.