Refusenik

Refusenik (from english to refuse, " reject " ) or Otkasnik (Russian отказник of отказывать, ie, " reject ", Hebrew: מסורבי mesorav ) was a Soviet unofficial term for individuals, typically Soviet Jews who were denied the possibility of emigration.

Development of meaning

The term was given another meaning. Susan Sontag described in her book below the conscientious objectors of the Israeli army as refuseniks. In this sense the term is sometimes used also in German.

Adaptations

Under the direction of Laura Bialis an American documentary, entitled refusenik of the efforts and difficulties of the emigration of Soviet Jews was filmed in 2007.