Use this letter template to write to your congressman, senator, Rabbi, AIPAC, or ADL.
Subject: Urgent Appeal for Advocacy in the Case of Zhenya Berkovich
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Your Email]
[Date]
The Honorable [Congressman’s Name]
[Office Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
Dear [Congressman’s Name],
I am writing to urge you to take action regarding the wrongful imprisonment of Jewish playwright and director Zhenya Berkovich, who has been detained in Russia since May 2023 on politically motivated charges. Ms. Berkovich, an award-winning artist and outspoken critic of the authoritarian and repressive regime, is being persecuted for her creative work and Jewish identity, a disturbing echo of historical antisemitic repression in Russia.
Her arrest is part of a larger crackdown on freedom of speech, but it is also deeply troubling in the context of Russia’s growing hostility toward Jewish intellectuals and dissidents. Ms. Berkovich’s play, which authorities falsely claim “justifies terrorism,” is, in reality, an anti-radicalization piece that has been widely praised for its social impact. Her continued detention under fabricated charges is unacceptable and demands international condemnation.
As your constituent, I respectfully request that you:
- Publicly denounce her imprisonment and call for her immediate release.
- Urge the U.S. Department of State to prioritize her case and press for her freedom.
- Support congressional resolutions addressing human rights abuses and antisemitism in Russia.
The United States has always defended human rights, religious freedom, and artistic expression. Please raise your voice to support Zhenya Berkovich and ensure that the U.S. government takes meaningful action.
Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter. I look forward to your response.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]