Speech #990069742

I am pleased to say. has become an annual occurrence in which we as Members of Congress can express our dismay and outrage at the human rights violations taking place every day against Jews In the Soviet Union. Despite our past protests and the world outcry against the treatment of these oppressed people. the situation In the Soviet Union has worsened during the past year. The emigration rate for Soviet Jews in 1984 was the worst in more than a decade. and antiSemitic activity by the Soviet Government has increased. At a time when relations between our Government and that of the Soviet Union are Improving and a new leader has taken power there. it Is important to continue pressuring the Soviets to observe the Helsinki accords and guarantee individual rights to freedom of religion. cultural practices. and emigration. All of these things that we take for granted in our own country are only dreams for mil:.uns of Jews In the Soviet Union. We must not allow ourselves to become complacent and forget others in the world who have the misfortune to live under a government that has no respect for basic human rights.