Valery Panov informed western newsmen in Moscow this weekend that his wife, Galina, has been permanently barred from leaving the Soviet Union, according to Jewish sources here. The former star of the Kirov Ballet said Soviet officials told him late last week of this decision and also warned him that his own exit visa would be revoked and “administrative measures” taken against him if he continued to insist on refusing to emigrate to Israel without her. Panov told the newsmen that on Dec. 18 he could leave for Israel but that his wife, who was also a ballet star with the Kirov Ballet, would have to remain in the Soviet Union because her mother objected to her departure. He said he would appeal the case to international legal bodies, according to the sources.
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
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.