Holocaust era survivor faces eviction from Alameda apartment

Wednesday, August 21, 2019
ALAMEDA, Calif. (KGO) -- Michael Rishin is 87 and speaks very little English. He spoke with us with his daughter translating. He spends his time remembering his years in the Ukraine and Uzbekistan-- before he immigrated to the United States.
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The Nazis drove him and his family from the Soviet Union in 1941. He's lived in the Dunes Apartments on Shoreline Drive in Alameda since 2002.

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"House keeps memories of the people so dear to me, my wife and my son."

Now Michael faces eviction. His section 8 status isn't protecting him from the rising cost of living and his landlord wants to raise the rent by $700 a month.

Michael's attorney, Sarah McCracken said, "She's not doing anything illegal she's just doing something that is frankly outrageous and unjust."
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Michael said, "I was very close to depression. It was the heaviest feeling I could ever experience."



Michael, in turn, has filed a complaint with the state accusing his landlord of discrimination.

Landlord Margaret Tam declined an interview with ABC7 after speaking with her attorney.

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Michael's daughter in the meantime is worried.

Lana Rishina said, "It is painful to see my father in this situation. He does not deserve this."



A rally in support of Michael Rishin will take place Saturday in Alameda.

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