The Jewish exodus from Egypt thousands of years ago to escape persecution was. unfortunately. only the first of a long history of such migrations for the Jewish people. Since Moses first asked the Egyptian Pharaoh to "let my people go." that call has been echoed on behalf of the Jewish people against many tyrants. in many places and in many ages. And today the call. "Let my people go." must be for the Jews living in the Soviet Union. who are forbidden by the Soviet Government to emigrate to Israel and who at the same time cannot fully practice their religion or enjoy their culture in the country where they dwell. This evening Jewish families will begin Passover in their homes with the traditional Seder meal and service. And many of these families will add to the Seder a special ritual for their more than 3 million brethren in the Soviet Union. A separate matzounleavened breadwill be set aside at the Metza of Hope. hope that the Jews of the Soviet Union will soon enjoy not only fairer treatment as Soviet citizens. but also the freedom to emigrate to Israel if they desire. Passover. then. is an approprate time for all of us to survey the current status of Jews in the Soviet Union. a topic in which I have long been deeply concerned as both a Member of the House of Representatives and as a Senator. Earlier this month I wrote to a group of- students at the University of Pennsylvania who were arranging for a Soviet Jewry Week at the University from April 6 through 9.
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emigrate