Speech #980267753

Despite these bleak developments. individuals both inside and outside the Soviet Union continue to oppose these repressive policies. Last month. for example. 16 Jews from 3 Russian cities sent an open letter to Soviet President Konstantin Chernenko stating thatWe. as many other Jews. are very worried by the current worsening of persecutions aimed at frightening us and curbing the movement for repatriation to Israel. Furthermore. at the meeting of the International Council of the World Conference on Soviet Jewry in London last month. the council resolved to "place the Soviet Jewry problem as a priority matter on the agenda of every Jewish community and organization" and to "urge all governments to place the tragedy of Soviet Jewry as a principal item in negotiations with representatives of the Soviet Union." The doors of emigration from the Soviet Union have been closed too long. The denial of basic human rights to all minorities has gone on too long. I hope that. through the continued efforts of individuals. organizations and governments throughout the world. we will convince the Soviet leaders that now is the time to halt their actions against the Soviet Jewish community and to open the way for unimpeded emigration. in accordance with international law.