Speech #980118054

Mr. Speaker. as chairman of the 1983 Congressional Call to Conscience Vigil for Soviet Jewry. I would like to focus my colleagues attention on the plight of Josef Begun. Mr. Begun has been sentenced to 12 years in prison and internal exile for the crime of antiSoviet agitation. Josef Beguns only crimes were his desire to emigrate to Israel and his determination to teach Hebrew and continue to practice his faith. The Soviet response to this basic desire for freedomrights guaranteed under the Helsinki accordsis but one more example of the sad litany of harassment. antiSemitism. and imprisonment. Mr. Speaker. the Soviet Governments treatment of Josef Begun is a clear attempt to intimidate Soviet Jews and the world community.