I cannot let the opportunity pass to join my colleagues today in voicing my deep concern for the suffering that the Soviet Jews have been forced to endure. on this. the "International Day of Concern for Soviet Jews." It is fitting that a day be set aside to direct our collective attention to this tragic and unjust situation. Unlike so many other countries. the Soviet Union has continued to oppress the Jewish population that lives within its borders. The Soviet Union denies these courageous people their right to emigrate. their right of free expression of their cultural and religious beliefs. and has continually taken an antiSemitic stance. I have frequently joined with many of my colleagues in calling upon the Government of the Soviet Union to stop this deplorable repression of human rights. I call upon all our colleagues and all concerned people of the world today to voice their opposition to this continued harassment of the Soviet Jewish population. May our combined voices reach a crescendo which can no longer be ignored by the Soviet Government. On this solemn occasion. we cannot forget the courageous refuseniks. who stil face reprisals from their Government by standing firm in expressing their desire to emigrate from the Soviet Union. I especially commend the heroic suffering of Anatoly Shcharansky. who as we all well know. was arrested 8 years ago on this date. and Abba Taratuta. my adopted refusenik. for their tireless efforts in trying to reopen the emigration gates to the lands of personal freedom..
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emigrate emigration