Speech #930223582

I had the privilege of joining an estimated 100.000 marchers in New York City in voicing solidarity with Soviet Jews. It was heartening to see so many people join in this effort to demonstrate to the Soviet government that people throughout the world recognize and condemn the denial to Soviet Jews and all Soviet citizens of the freedoms which are guaranteed by the constitutions of all civilized countries. including the Soviet Union. Solidarity Day was a reminder to all that Jews in the Soviet Union are mercilessly denied the means to practice their religion and sustain their ethnic identity. including the basic right to emigrate to the country of their choice. It was a moving call for our Government to press for the end of Soviet persecution of Jews. Appended herewith is a recent resolution introduced in the New York State Senate expressing the solidarity of that legislative body with the plight of Soviet Jews and urging our Government to use all appropriate diplomatic means to end the perspecution of Soviet Jews.