Throughout our history we have voiced concern and support for the harsh plight of persecuted minority groups. Consistent with this heritage are the several resolutions concerning the Soviet Jewry which are now before the Congress. Hopefully. the resolution passed by the Congress will be a part of worldwide efforts on behalf of this proud minority to make sure that the spiritual and cultural rights of Jews are not extinguished and that those who wish to emigrate are given a chance to do so. Soviet Jews are being prosecuted solely for their wish to emigrate to Israel. Yet this right is guaranteed under article 13(2) of the Universal Declaration of Human Rightsa declaration that was unanimously adopted by the United Nations in 1948. The declaration specifically states: Everyone has the right to leave any country. including his own. and to return to his country. Rights to emigrate are also provided for in the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination1965which was ratified by the Soviet Union. as well as in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights1966. Yet only a small number of those Jews who have applied for exit visas to Israel have been granted permission to leave. Further. almost all who have applied for visas have had their jobs threatened and have been subjected to harassment by police. Rights to religious worship and cultural freedom are in fact provided for in articles 124 and 126 of the Soviet Constitution. Article 124 states: Freedom of religious worship and freedom of antireligious propaganda is recognized for all citizens.
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