Mr. Kochubievsky and his wife. Valentina. have been waiting more than 5 years to be granted visas to emigrate to Israel where both of their sons reside. Unfortunately. Mr. Speaker. the case of Felix Kochubievsky is not unique. There are countless other Soviet Jewsboth refuseniks and Prisoners of Consciencewho have been unjustly harassed. detained. arrested. and many times imprisoned for their desire to emigrate to Israel and freely practice their religion. As one who has been a long time supporter of Soviet Jewry. I feel that we cannot and must not remain silent in the face of such blatant violations of basic human rights. I am also extremely disturbed over the declining number of Soviet Jews who have been allowed to emigrate to Israel in recent years. The plight of Felix and Valentina Kochubievsky is part of an ongoing human tragedy. It is a tragedy perpetrated by the callousness and inhumanity of Soviet communism. By adopting Mr. Kochubievsky as my Prisoner of Conscience and by constantly speaking out against Soviet repression of Soviet Jews it is my sincere belief that this public exposure will place some pressure on the Soviet authorities to allow more Soviet Jews to emigrate to Israel. The Soviet authorities must constantly be made aware that their actions are not going unnoticed and we here in the free world will never remain silent in the wake of their complete disregard for basic human rights. By participating in this vigil and by continually expressing our deep concern and unbending support for all Soviet Jews will provide the countless number of refuseniks and Prisoners of Conscienceas well as their familieswith hope and the knowledge that the free world is aware of their suffering and that we care.
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emigrate visas