Speech #980253823

Mr. Speaker. the term "refusenik" has been added to the international vocabulary in recent yearsa word that describes Soviet Jews who have been continuously denied permission to emigrate. It is my privilege to participate in the 1984 Congressional Call to Conscience Vigil in an effort to maintain constant attention on the plight and mistreatment of Soviet Jews. Whether an individual or family wishes to emigrate to be reunified with other family members or to be able to practice their religion free of persecution. the vast majority of Soviet Jews face repeated denials because of fabricated charges. Many times after the denial of the right to emigrate. the family must live in fear of further harassment by the KGB. the sudden loss of employment. or face arrest or imprisonment because of this lack of employment. One such refusenik family is the Gilman family of Zhlobin. Byelorussia. Boris Gilman and his wife Evgenya have sought exist visas for themselves and their two sons. Leonid and Alexander. since April 1981. They were refused immediately on the pretext that Evgenyas mother was remaining in the Soviet Union. This was despite the fact that both of Boris parents and Evgenyas father presently live in Israel. In an all too familiar story. both Boris and his wife were fired from their jobs. They now must live in constant fear of further harassment because of their desire to emigrate. Every Member of the House of Representatives has become familiar with the plight of Soviet Jews. By its signature of the Helsinki Final Acts. the Soviet Union has declared it would allow free emigration. Since the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. the emigration of Soviet Jews has been reduced to a mere trickle. While a very few have been allowed to emigrate to countries where they can freely observe thier religious faith. pursue their livelihoods. or simply be with their loved ones. It is for the thousands left behind that I urge my colleagues to continue to show their support.*