Soviet authorities,
“running scared.” are trying to get Jewish activists out of Moscow before President Nixon arrives there for summit talks, according to Richard Maass, chairman of the National Conference on Soviet Jews. Maass said that was the reason why ten young Soviet Jews, “who represent the core of the most vocal young activists desiring to emigrate from the Soviet Union, have been called for active military service in the Soviet armed forces.”
Maass said it was “clear that the Soviet officials are using a device of military service to make sure that these men. who are among the 36 individuals who have requested a meeting with Nixon when he visits Moscow in May, will be unavailable.” Maass added that “This action of the Soviet officials focuses greater attention on the importance of President Nixon’s visit” because “Soviet officials clearly demonstrate that they are sensitive to both internal and external pressures on behalf of Soviet Jewry.”
Jerry Goodman, executive director of the NCSJ, expressed fear that “this new punitive tactic by the Soviet Union may extend to other Jews in other cities who dare to demand their legal rights.” He said he has asked mayors of several major American cities to personally intervene with Moscow civil authorities on behalf of these men and also asked that the Jewish War Veterans and other veterans groups take some action.
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.
