Anatoly Shcharansky, the most famous refusnik, was released by the Soviet authorities on 11 February and arrived in Israel that evening, to be met by Israel 's leaders. His wife Avital, who led the struggle for his release, was with him. Thus ended a 12 year saga of arrest, isolation, hunger and despair. Arrested for anti Soviet activities, Shcharansky was hailed in Israel as a hero and among the well wishers was Israel's president, whose words follow:
Anatoly Shcharansky is free, and we welcome him with the traditional expression of gratitude to the Almighty "blessed is he who releases prisoners."
Anatoly Shcharansky, a prisoner of Zion, has become an example and a symbol. His struggle and his bravery gave courage to our brothers and sisters in the Soviet Union, and inspired them in their struggle for their national rights both human and national, to study their traditions, their culture and the Hebrew language, and above a to join their brothers and sisters in their homeland in the State of Israel.
Anatoly Shcharansky has become a symbol for all freedom and human rights fighters throughout the world. His struggle has been a source of national identification for the Jewish people and yet another example of the resilience of the Jewish spirit.
Many of his fellows in the battle for human rights are still in the Soviet Union. We will not forget them nor will we weaken in our resolve to continue our efforts for their freedom.
Anatoly Shcharansky did not sin nor did he violate any law.
He is a free man who fought a stubborn fight in order to maintain his Jewish identity and to live as a proud Jew amongst his people in his homeland.
On his arrival home, with the realization of his long hoped for dream, he will be received with open arms and deep affection. I trust that our natural tendency to smother him with affection and good will, will not hinder him from joining his wife Avital in making their joint dream of years come true and in permitting him to build a happy home amongst us in peace and harmony.
Our admiration and respect go out to Avital who fought untiringly for Anatoly and the remaining prisoners of Zion.
I wish to express our heartfelt gratitude to all our friends throughout the world who fought for Sheharansky's release, among them world personalities and heads of state and above all to the President of the United States of America, Mr. Ronald Reagan, and his Secretary of State, Mr. George Shultz.
Welcome home, Anatoly. May many others follow you.