PORTER. for their work in organizing todays events in support of Soviet Jewry. I would also like to thank the National Conference on Soviet Jewry. the Union of Councils for Soviet Jews. and the Student Coalition for Soviet Jewry for their outstanding efforts on this very important matter. It Is an honor to join in this salute to those in the Soviet Union who are seeking. with quiet courage and steadfast determination. the basic human rights to worship freely. to pass the teachings of their faith on to their children. and to emigrate. The example they set for the rest of the world is a compelling one. Judy Balint. the head of Seattle Action for Soviet Jewry. recently shared with me a letter written by Lev Elbert. Lev. his wife Inna. and their son Carmi are refuseniks from Kiev who have faced great obstacles in their effort to emigrate. One early indication of the current antiSemitic campaign occurred when Lev Elbert was sentenced to imprisonment in a labor camp for refusing to report for reserve military duty. His refusal stemmed from his concern that the authorities would claim that he was exposed to military secrets during the additional military service and use this excuse to permanently deny him permission to emigrate. In light of his imprisonment. these words from his letter are especially poignant: Anyhow. being free gives one a lot of opportunity for action. Especially in providing help and assistance.
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emigrate