03/08/2024

The Fight to Free Evan Gershkovich

Over a year ago, he was arrested by Russian security forces

Growing up in the Soviet Union in the 1960s and ’70s, Mikhail Gershkovich and Ella Milman learned to be careful. Children knew not to repeat what their parents said in their kitchens.

Mikhail recalls his father, who grew up under Stalin, offering a piece of advice: If you’re going to tell a political joke, "make sure there are no witnesses."

Mikhail and Ella both emigrated to the U.S. in 1979, seeking to escape rising anti-semitism and life under Soviet rule. They met in Brooklyn in the 1980s, got married, and raised an American family in suburban New Jersey. Their daughter Danielle took swimming and gymnastics. Their son Evan played soccer. “Here, we can relax,” said Mikhail. “Just find yourself. Decide what you want to do.”

Please select this link to read the complete article from TIME.