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Comment on The Fifth problem: math and anti-Semitism in the Soviet Union

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My mothers father had to bribe the admissions board of Moscow U. to the tune of tens of thousands of dollars to let her in. This was in the late 60's/early 70's. Anti-Semitism, but of course. They left as soon as possible for Israel and then America.

Honestly, I often think that if Germany and the Soviets had not hated Jews so much the world would be a very different place.

Where did he get tens of thousands of dollars (even if in the Rouble equivalent)? Just curious. Seems to be a sum out of reach of any citizen who is not a miner, a polar worker or engineer-in-chief.

I had an almost exact same "forget-it-not-gonna-happen" conversation with an admissions officer at MSU around 1984 (I think). It was suggested to my parents that a substantial bribe would reverse my fortunes. We chose not to apply - I went to my local U instead - but they could have definitely afforded it: they were both high-earners (my dad headed a science lab and my mom was a professor) plus they both made the so-called northern coefficient (basically, 2.5x regular salary for living in Bumf--k Siberia).

Let's just say he was... creative.

Which department? Just curious.

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