Speech #980169903

I rise today to once again focus the attention of this body on the plight of Jews in the Soviet Union. The reign of the late Yuri Andropov marked the solidification of a shift in policy toward Soviet Jews. Restrictive and oppressive laws were introduced resulting in increased harassment of Jews trying to emigrate or observe their religious and cultural traditions. Mr. Speaker. emigration declined radically during 1983. reaching its lowest. its most discouraging level since the late sixties. The impact of this policy on the Jewish peopleon the individuals who are denied permission to be reunited with their relatives in the West. or who are persecuted by authorities on a daily basis for their beliefsis heartbreaking. In fact.