This Congressional Prayer and Fast Vigil is a symbol of solidarity in the cause for recognition of and respect for human rights in the Soviet Union. But also. for me. it is a time for understanding better the personal. daytoday struggle of a young man named Alexander Pevzner. a refusenik that I have been helping since my first term in Congress. Alexander Pevzner has tried unsuccessfully or 5 years to emigrate. Alexanders parents live in the United States and they have tried for years to be reunited with their son and his family. I continue to appeal to Soviet officials to reconsider their denial of his request. I know that Alexander will continue to have hope. as long as we in the free world continue our work on his behalf. and for those like him. who should be able freely to leave the Soviet Union. We in Congress must continue our most sincere efforts to help these families. We must be persistent in our call upon the Soviet Union to change their unnecessarily restrictive emigration policies that have so tragically prevented families like the Pevzners from being together. We have a responsibiity. as Members of Congress. to continue protesting the oppressive and unfair treatment of Soviet Jews and others who are powerless to change their unfortunate situation. Today. as we unite in sympathy with the Soviet Jews.
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emigrate emigration