World attention was focused on Soviet policy toward its Jewish citizens after a series of trials in 1970 and 1971 of Soviet Jews charged with antistate activities. and after the attempted hiJacking of a Soviet commercial airplane by Soviet Jews. To counter some of the hostile world press attention caused by the trials. Soviet officials increased the number of emigration visas issued in 1971. and thus far in 1972 has continued this trend. Yet the continued restrictions against the thousands of Soviet Jews who wanted to emigrate have kept world attention focused on the problems of Soviet Jews and not on the very limited attempts by the Soviet Government to solve the problems. Mr. Speaker. it is our duty to serve as a beacon of hope and encouragement to the oppressed people of the world. We must take steps to encourage the Soviet Union to allow Soviet Jews to express themselves through cultural and religious activities. Soviet Jews should not be deprived of books in Hebrew. of Matzohs. and of synagogue services. They should be allowed to emigrate and start a new life elsewhere. The bill before us. House Concurrent Resolution 471. urges the President to use his influence. and to use the powers of his office to encourage the Soviet Government to take steps to relieve the discrimination that presently takes place against Soviet Jews.
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emigrate emigration visas