We have joined our many voices together to loudly protest the Kremlins antisemitic policies of oppression and persecution against its Jewish citizens. Our participation in todays vigil demonstrates that we. in Congress. know whats going on. that we care. and that we support Soviet Jews in their courageous struggle for freedom. Soviet Jews are denied their right to emigrate. and to practice their religion freely. They are forbidden by Soviet law from teaching the Hebrew language and observing religious holidays. And they are attacked with increasing frequency and intensity as the Kremlin steps up its propaganda campaign in an effort to brand Jews as traitors in a Zionist plot to overthrow the Soviet government. Soviet Jews are prisoners in a country whose policies seem directed at eradicating their very identity. heritage. and culture. Yet. the Soviet government refuses to let these people leave. In 1984. only 896 Jews were permitted to emigrate. I participate in todays vigil on behalf of Ida Nudel. my Fourth Congressional Districts prisoner of conscience. Ida has waited 13 long years for a visa to Join her family in Israel. She served 4 years of internal exile in Siberia for her crimes against the State when her only crime was practicing her Jewish religion and petitioning for a visa. Since her release. the KGB has kept Ida under constant surveillance. The authorities have threatened to keep her from observing religious holidays and from associating with other Jewish refuseniks. On Idas behalf. I continue to write weekly letters to the Soviet authorities in the hope that someday. she will be permitted to emigrate to Israel. At a time when negotiations between the governments of the United States and the Soviet Union have been renewed. It is appropriate that we demonstrate our concerns for Soviet Jewry.
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