Speech #970214949

Mr. Speaker. I was deeply disturbed to learn from the National Conference on Soviet Jewry that the number of Jews allowed to emigrate from the Soviet Union has reached a 10 year low. This setback for Soviet Jewry signals increasingly brutal disregard for human rights by the Soviet Union. In addition to closing the doors to Jewish emigration. Soviet officials have also stepped up their attack on Jewish efforts to study and celebrate their cultural heritage. One case in which I am particularly interested in is Faivel Segalis. Faivel and Basia Segalis and their daughter live in Vilnius. All of their relatives have emigrated to Israel. leaving them alone in the Soviet Union since 1971. Faivel served in the army from 1969 to 1971. When he was released from the army on May 11. 1971. he was provided a visa. When he went for his visa. he was told that the whole situation had to be reviewed. subsequently. Faivel received a refusal due to his "army service." The case of Falvel is one more example of the blatant violation of human rights by the Soviet authorities. It is becoming increasingly urgent that we in Congress speak out in behalf of Soviet Jewry.