I welcome this opportunity to voice my concern for the many refuseniks in the Soviet Union who are bravely enduring one of the worst human rights offenses in our world today. It is no secret that the Soviets are defying the law and spirit of the Helsinki accords in their treatment of Soviet Jewry. As most are aware. last year was a dismal one for Jewish emigration from the Soviet Union. We were optimistic after 51.300 Jews were allowed to leave the country in 1979. But due to deteriorating relations with the rest of the world. the emigration figure plummeted to 21.700 last year. I was encouraged by recent statements made by our President in reference to a proposed summit between himself and Soviet President Leonid I. Brezhnev.
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emigration