Speech #980260522

My colleagues and I who are speaking out today. believe that in this meeting. the President should convey our deep concern over the persecution of Soviet Jews. This is a critical time for Soviet Jews. Last year. only 1.314 Jews were permitted to leave the countrythe lowest annual figure since emigration began more than a decade ago. Statistics for the first several months of 1984 indicate that the Soviets have virtually halted Jewish emigration. and those unable to leave are subject to a continuing antiSemitic campaign. I believe that this crisis has sparked a renewed sense of urgency in Americans to act on behalf of Jews in the Soviet Union. The issues of emigration and human rights must remain high on the agenda in all relevant forums. The rapidly deteriorating situation of Soviet Jews may only end if leaders of the free world speak out on their behalf at every opportunity. I urge President Reagan to seize the opportunity this week in his meeting with Foreign Minister Gromyko. to impress upon this Soviet official. that the United States cannot and will not ignore the Soviet treatment of its Jewish minority.*