Speech #970018503

Speaker. I rise in support of House Concurrent Resolution 50. a resolution urging the Soviet Union to provide proper medical caie for Dr. Victor Brailovsky and to permit him and his family to emigrate to Israel. Dr. Brailovsky is to be commended and praised for his efforts on behalf of 230 Soviet Jews when he urged President Brezhnev to allow them to emigrate. For his efforts he was jailed. although no formal charges have been brought against him. He is in poor health and the circumstances under which he is imprisoned can only help to aggravate his condition. The Soviet Union is punishing Dr. Brailovsky for his courage and zeal in helping his fellow men in achieving the lifelong dream of every Jew in the Soviet Union. the right to emigrate to Israel where they may practice their faith without fear of persecution and imprisonment. That dream is now being denied to him in a case in which the Soviet Union stands to gain nothing by its actions but the reproach of the rest of the world. The Soviet Union can show its commitment to the Helsinski agreements by insuring that proper medical care is given to Dr. Brailovsky and by allowing him and his family to emigrate to Israel. I urge all my colleagues to join me in support of House Concurrent Resolution 50.9