Speech #960245943

I would like to take this opportunity to state my strong support for Amner Zavurov. his wife. and his child in their attempt to emigrate from the Soviet Union to Israel. Their plight exemplifies the persecution of Soviet Jews and the problems they encounter in obtaining emigration visas from Russia. In 1976 the Soviet authorities arrested Mr. Zavurov for violating passport regulations. In January 1977. he was sentenced to 3 years in prison. Mr. Zavurov and his family had completed all the necessary procedures in applying for an exit permit to Israel. Unaware. however. that there was a time limit for processing of a visa application. Mr. Zavurov agreed to wait an extra day when the Soviet authorities informed him that there was a backup.