Speech #920050493

We are faced with the present and the immediate future. We must find ways now to assist Soviet Jews in their present need. I believe. as an important first step. that this country must vigorously support world efforts to persuade the Soviet Union to grant the requests of those Soviet Jews wishing to emigrate. whether it be to Israel. the countries of Western Europe. to the United States or to any other country that will accept them. Accordingly. I joined in sponsoring S. 1872. a bill designed for the relief of Soviet Jews. and I strongly urge its prompt passage. This bill provides 30.000 special refugee visas to Soviet Jews to be considered outside the regular immigration quota system. It is my hope that swift passage of this bill will aid in building the kind of massive outpouring of world opinion in support of that basic right of emigration. The admission of 30.000 Soviet Jews to this country would not. of course. solve the problem of antiSemitism in the Soviet Union. But it would be a concrete step to help at least some of those who are suffering. It would act as an incentive for other countries to respond in a similar generous manner. and quite possible even encourage a more tolerant attitude on the part of the Soviet Government. We can be encouraged. I believe. by the Soviet response thus far to pressure from abroad to permit the emigration of Soviet Jews. According to recent press reports. about 1.000 Soviet Jews were granted exit documents in 1970 to go to Israel. In the first 2 months of 1971. emigration to Israel rose from 220 to 1.000 in March and 1.300 in April. Prompt action by the Senate on this bill could help to consolidate these increases by demonstrating once again our firm commitment to the right of all people to choose their country and their home freely. Our land has always been a haven of refuge for the oppressed.