Speech #910323130

The clear pattern of Kremlinsanctioned antiSemitism needs no further documentation here. Many experts in the Soviet Union agree that the charges are absurd. Despite the profound desire of many Russian Jews to emigrate to Israel. an aspiration which they have dared to express recently in public demonstration. the experts doubt that the accused would- attempt such a risky and difficult means of escape. More likely. it is argued. the Soviets are indulging their penchant for exemplary justice as a warning to its Jewish community to keep its counsel and stay in line. A year ago. I visited the Soviet Union and met with representatives of the Jewish communities in Moscow and Kiev. I agree that most. if not all of Russias captive 6 million Jews. would emigrate to Israel if given the chance. I also agree that the hijack of an airplane would be an unlikely means of escape. A more likely explanation is that the Russians. alert to the considerable public notice accorded the problem of hijacking elsewhere in the world. decided that a show trial of this sort would serve as an effective public warning to the Jewish community in Russia.