Speech #990026288

The Soviet press. however. maintains that Jews enjoy the same rights and privileges as all other nationalities and minorities of the Soviet Union. Such assertions are outrageous. Institutionalized antiSemitism coupled with diminishing opportunities for higher education and professional positions have served as a catalyst for an increasing number of Jews to seek emigration from the U.S.S.R. Tragically. emigration is at a virtual standstill. In 1979. Jewish emigration reached a b!gh point of 51.320. By 1984. the number had plummeted to 896. These figures reflect an appalling denial of basic human rights. While the rate of Jewish emigration from the Soviet Union is disturbing. It is even more disturbing to hear of the enormous hardships facing Soviet Jews who merely apply for exit visas. Visa applicants are often threatened and even dismissed from work. The families of prospective emigrants become outcasts and their children are tormented and assaulted In school. Many Soviet Jews are arrested. imprisoned. or exiled. One of the most tragic aspects of the plight of visa applicants is the difficult separation from loved ones outside the Soviet Union. For example. Stella Goldberg. a wellknown pianist from Moscow. has been trying to leave the Soviet Union with her son.