Speech #990014587

I consider it an honor to be invited to participate. once again. in the congressional call to conscience vigil for Soviet Jewry. It is our duty. as Members of Congress. to speak out against renewed efforts by the Soviet Union to oppress its Jewish citizens. Soviet oppression of its Jewish population has reached new heights. First. the number permitted to emigrate in 1984 was less than 2 percent of the level of emigration permitted Soviet Jews in 1979. Fewer than 1.000 received permission to leave the Soviet Union last year. Also. while fewer and fewer Jewish citizens are allowed to leave the Soviet Union. more and more Soviet Jews are being harassed and persecuted in their own homes.