Ukrainian. SSR. Tarnopolsky is still serving a 3year prison sentence for defaming the Soviet state. when In reality his only crime was wanting to emigrate to Israel. We relentlessly have sent constant and consistent messages to Soviet off Icials expressing our chagrin at their handling of human rights. In fact. I recently had an opportunity personally to discuss human rights violations with the visiting members of the Supreme Soviet of the U.S.S.R. who were in Washington earlier this month. The Soviets must realize that Soviet Jewish emigration is a priority and commitment of the United States. The harsh emigration policies stem from a Soviet "mindset" that Jews and others are American sympathizers not to be regarded as fighters for human dignity and freedom. I have suggested the following agenda guidelines for U.S. delegations to improve Soviet human rights practices: First. a substantial release of prisoners of conscience and refuseniks prior to any negotiations as an honorable gesture. second. the inclusion in all emigration arrangements of the principles of repatriation to Israel or family reunification elsewhere. third. the end of the harassment of all Jewish study groups. Hebrew teachers. and so forth. including restrictions on their ability to obtain and prepare educational materials. and fourth. the end of inflammatory Soviet media campaigns utilizing antiSemitic stereotypes that portray a United StatesZionist world conspiracy trying to subvert the U.S.S.R. The situation for Soviet Jews worsens daily.
Identified stereotypes
Jews and others are American sympathizers not to be regarded as fighters for human dignity and freedom.