Podell Confirms 12 Soviet Jewish Mothers Ask Authorities to Let Their Children Go

Bertram Podell, New York Democratic Congressman confirmed here today that 12 Jewish mothers in the Soviet Union had petitioned Prime Minister Alexsei Kosygin to permit their children to emigrate to Israel. This was reported yesterday by the Jewish Telegraphic Agency. Podell, returning from the Soviet Union, added that the petitioners wrote they would remain in Russia if need be, to obtain the release of their children, a total of 15 and ranging in ages from eight months to 19 years. Podell continued: “Any parent, indeed, any human being, would appreciate this kind of sacrifice.” He also stated that “Not a single Jew would remain in the Soviet Union if the gates were open to him to leave.” Podell promised to make public some documents upon his return to Washington. He said that he had been followed wherever he went during his six-day stay in the USSR, and that he had reason to believe that his telephone had been tapped.