By Elizabeth Corridan

EASTHAMPTON, Mass. (abc40) -- A local philanthropist is reacting to news that a U.S. District Judge in New York is allowing the release of testimony from witnesses who were part of one of the most controversial cases of the Cold War era. 

Julius and Ethel Rosenberg were Americans, who were convicted of giving secrets of the atomic bomb to the Soviets and executed in the electric chair in 1953.  The Rosebergs brother and sister-in-law, David and Ruth Greenglass were two key witnesses in the case.  Ruth Greenglass recently passed away.  Her testimony is one that will be made public.  The ruling judge said he would not authorize the release of David Greenglass' testimony at this time. 

Both of Rosenbergs' sons live in Western Massachusetts.  Younger son, Robert Meeropol runs the Rosenberg Fund for Children.  The agency helps the children of political prisoners.  Upon hearing the news that Ruth Greenglass' testimony is being released, Robert Meeropol said he was pleased to learn more information about his parents' case is being made public.  He anticipates being able to read the testimony by the fall.  Meeropol says he hopes one day David Greenglass' testimony will also be released. The Meeropol brothers believe their parents' trial was grossly unfair and hope to one day sift through decades of history to get to the truth.