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Told He Has Achieved Objectives Yampolsky Ends Fast After 8 Days

April 5, 1973
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Mark Yampolsky was resting at the home of friends in nearby Virginia today after having broken his hunger, strike in its eighth day opposite the Soviet Embassy, He did so at the urgings of Sen. Henry M. Jackson (D. Wash.) and physicians who examined him.

Despite suffering from ulcers, the 25-year-old former Russian mathematics student and jazz drummer abstained from food and survived on fruit juices and cigarettes while seeking to call attention to the Soviet government’s refusal to permit his parents-in-law, Dr. and Mrs. Isaac Poltinnikov, and sister-in-law, Victoria, to emigrate to Israel.

Sen. Jackson, who has been vigorously supporting his appeal, approached Yampolsky at about seven o’clock last night. The bearded young emigre sought to rise to greet him but he was too exhausted physically. He sank back on the inflated chair cushion friends had provided him. The Senator urged him to end his fast, noting that he had achieved his objective now that the State Department is actively involved in his behalf. He also pledged continuing support. The State Department announced yesterday that it had made representations to the Soviet government on “humanitarian grounds.” Shortly after Sen. Jackson made his suggestion, Yampolsky was assisted to a car which took him to the home of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Hochstein. Hochstein is the publisher of the Jewish Week and the American Examiner in New York and Washington.

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