Former Soviet president remembered as a humanitarian for allowing Jews to practice their religion freely and emigrate, which they did en masse -- much to his disappointment

Russian news report say former president succumbs 'after a serious and long illness'

Political experts argue to this day whether the last Soviet leader could have held onto his position and saved the USSR

In Moscow, US secretary of state met with Jews denied exit permits, and once arranged a 'refusenik' Passover Seder at the US Embassy