Speech #970009202

These objects helped to sustain him throughout his torturous decade of ordeals and persecution. until his reunion with his family in Israel. While release of losif Mendelevich has caused triumphant celebration around the world. we must be mindful that there remain two other prisoners in the Soviet Union from the same trials: Aleksei Murzhenko and Yuri Federov. Reports of a more liberal Soviet emigration policy regarding such prisoners have been received. and I intend to pursue these reports and press the Soviet Government to release these two men to their families and friends in Israel. The news about the number of exit visas being granted to Soviet Jews is cause for cautious optimism to those of us who have supported the cause of Soviet Jewry. Unofficial estimates put the number of exit visas being granted to Soviet Jews at 1.500 to 2.000 per month in Moscow alone. although such reports have yet to be confirmed by actual arrivals of Jews in Vienna. We must continue to press for a close examination of this matter by our Government in order to communicate our concern to Soviet emigration officials at the earliest opportunity. I pledge to continue to work on behalf of remaining prisoners of conscience held in Soviet jails. and to continue my advocacy on behalf of all Soviet Jews who wish to emigrate to Jerusalem. As Iosif Mendelevich stated upon his release: I am most grateful to all people in Israel and the whole world who made so many efforts for my release. * * * The Soviet power is a cruel power and you need enormous force to break this power. * * * Now all the force should be mobilized for the release of those who are still in Soviet prisons.*