Speech #920007453

We are deprived of all forms of Jewish culture. you cannot study the language. Jewish religion is forbidden. Members of the Jewish faith have been barred from emigrating from the Soviet Union. even though they face concerted efforts to stifle their Jewish identity so long as they remain there. Their plight was most vividly evidenced only weeks ago. when nine Jewish citizens of the Soviet Union who were allegedly involved in an attempt to highjack a Soviet plane received harsh sentences. World opinion was aroused at the time. and the Soviet authorities commuted the death sentences which had been imposed upon two. In the Congress on December 31. we passed House Resolution 1336. conveying the "grave concern of the people of the United States" regarding these sentences. and urging "fair and equitable justice forthe Soviet UnionsJewish citizens." Passage of this resolution followed soon after my introduction of House Resolution 1320. which urged the free exercises of religion and pursuit of culture by the Soviet Jews. and urged that the Soviet Union allow those citizens who wished to emigrate to do so. Despite passage of House Resolution 1336. even the relaxed sentences imposed upon the Soviet nine are still harsh. Moreover. the plight of the Soviet Jews persiststhey still suffer religious and .cultural persecution. Their emigration is severely restricted. Congress should demonstrate to the Soviet Union. which is sensitive to world opinion. its disapproval of the systematic efforts to stifle Soviet Jewry. To this end I have introduced in this Congress House Resolution 43 which provides: Resolved. That the House of Representatives condemns the persecution of any persons because of their religion by the Soviet Union. urges that the Soviet Union in the name of decency and humanity fully permit the free exercise of religion and the pursuit of culture by all Jews and all others within its borders. and urges that the Soviet Union allow those citizens who wish to emigrate to do so. I am sure that we are all gratified that Esther Rigerman. and her son. Leonid. have now finally reached the United States. Hopefully. the day will soon come when the Jews of the Soviet Union may express their Jewish identity in security and freedom. as the Rigermans can now do. Hopefully. too. the Jews of the Soviet Union who wish to emigrate will soon be able to do so freely. Common decency and morality demand the speedy inception of these events. in order that the Jews of the Soviet Union may live as Jews. proudly and openly. At this point.