Speech #970072483

I would like to bring to the attention of my distinguished colleagues. the American people. and all those who are oppressed in the world. the traumatic plight of a Soviet citizen. Boris Chernobilsky. His only true desire in life is to emigrate to Israel with his family. where many there are waiting with outstretched arms to receive. one day. this noble and illfated human being. Let me remind all of you that this brave "refusenik" applied for emigration to Israel in May of 1975. but was refused that right in March of 1976 on the grounds that he knew of too many secrets in his profession as a radio engineer. Since that time Boris Chernobilskys safety and rights have been constantly challenged by the Soviet authorities. in fact. he is now being brought up on charges of "resisting a representative of authority while performing duties entrusted to him by law." He is being unjustly charged with calling a Soviet policeman. who was dispersing a peaceful gathering on May 10 in Ovrashky. a "Fascist." As you are aware. if found guilty of this charge. Boris Chernobilsky could face a maximum sentence of 5 years imprisonment. It is deeply alarming to me to see a retreat by the Soviet Government on its policy to allow emigration to Israel. Before 1979. many emigrants to Israel from the Soviet Union have enjoyed and are enjoying a peaceful and meaningful existence in a free society. where their contributions to that society are most appreciated. However. today we see the reverse taking place in the Soviet Union. in fact. in the first 6 months of this year compared to the first 6 months of 1979. there has been a drastic decline in emigration of 73 percent. I am afraid that if we in the free world stand by idly and allow the Soviets to continue this inhumane policy on emigration. we will be just as much at fault as the Soviets. Thus. let it be known for all times that we in America will not stand by idly and allow. without our deep and earnest protest. human beings in Russia to be denied their basic right to emigrate just because of their religion or race or because of their desire to live in a free and meaningful place in the world. I ask to include in the body of the RECORD the following appeal of Boris Chernobilsky which has just been forwarded to me: