But perhaps the deepest tragedy is that these people cannot escape. The road to freedom is now closed to Soviet Jews. In 4 years. the number of Jews allowed to emigrate has plunged 98 percent. In 1979. 51.000 were allowed to leave. In 1983. a little over 1.000 were allowed to emigrate. This clear example of government oppression underscores our responsibility to extend some measure of hope to Jewish citizens in the Soviet Union. What can we do? Two years ago we passed House Joint Resolution 373 calling upon the Soviet Government to cease its repressive actions against those who seek the freedom to emigrate or practice their cultural and religious traditions. The resolution draws special attention to the hardships and discrimination being imposed upon the Jewish community. We can pass another resolution. and indeed I think we should.
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