Speech #980166536

Mr. Speaker. today. on the eighth anniversary of the arrest of Anatoly Shcharansky. we are paying tribute to the hundreds of thousands of Soviet Jews seeking to emigrate from the Soviet Union. As the transition in leadership of the Soviet Union takes place. it is imperative that we in the United States make our voices heard and continue to show our concern for the plight of the Soviet Jews. For over 5.000 years. Jewish education and culture have been the key to keeping Judaism alive. In the Soviet Union it is virtually illegal to teach or learn Hebrew. If cultural and scientific seminars are held or religious holidays are celebrated. those participating face harsh treatment by Soviet authorities.