Jews are denied full access to all aspects of Soviet life. Jews are forbidden their own schools and the teaching of Hebrew and Yiddish is severely restricted. since the 1940s the world famous Hebrew and Yiddish theater has been almost completely closed down. Jews are the victims of strict quota systems in the universities and more advanced technical schools. they are forbidden to exercise any degree of cultural autonomy although other nationalities are permitted to do so. The current wave of abuse and intimidation has intensified since the end of the 1967 6day war. Not only are vast numbers of Soviet Jews denied permission to emigrate. but they are increasingly victimized by economic discrimination. Many older Jews are being discharged from their jobs and young Jews are finding it much more difficult to secure suitable employment. In addition. police surveillance and harassment have risen markedly and a significant number of raids on Jewish homes have been conducted. Those seeking to emigrate to Israel and other countries are particularly singled out and suffer many severe forms of discrimination and persecution. The resolution before us this afternoon clearly puts the Congress on record as favoring meaningful efforts by our Government to ease the plight of Soviet Jews. Further. by passing this measure we will help to focus worldwide opinion on the brutal and totalitarian tactics being employed by Soviet authorities to carry out their illconceived campaign to destroy the centuriesold Jewish community.
Keywords matched
quota system emigrate