Representative Elizabeth Holtzman (D.NY) has sent letters to Soviet Ambassador Anatoly Dobrynin and President Nixon on behalf of Leonid Zabelishensky, a Jew on trial for “parasitism” in the Soviet Union. Rep. Holtzman stated that Zabelishensky had lost his job after applying for exit visas to Israel for himself, his wife and child, and that the charge of “parasitism” was made despite the fact that Zabelishensky’s wife was working.
In her letter to Dobrynin, Rep. Holtzman said, in part: “I hope you will convey this concern to your government, and seek from it information about Mr. Zabelishensky’s case and that of other Soviet Jews. Reports of improved treatment and eased restrictions would be extremely encouraging to those of us in the United States who hope for improved relations between our country and the USSR, but are determined that it shall not take place unless due regard is given to human dignity and liberty.”
In her letter to the President, the Congresswoman said, in part: “In view of the overwhelming support for the Mills-Vanik Amendment shown by the House of Representatives (in Dec.), I am confident that you can make clear to the Soviet government how strongly the Congress and the American people feel about the freedom and dignity of people of all nations.”
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