Speech #990076643

Their emigrtion would not endanger any state secrets. However. Soviet authorities have refused them this fundamental right on the flimsy pretext that they would be leaving behind other relatives in Kazan and Leningrad. and that these relatives may also want to emigrate in the future. According to their son Yuri. who lives in Israel. they need his everyday suppo:t and assistance. they need the love and care of their grandchildren. They also badly need a special iet. which is impossible to obtain in K.arsk. Everyday of their living. bad damage is caused to their health. the long separation and the endless anguish undermine the forces of their soul and endanger their lives. And yet. the Soviet Government has remained stonehearted in deciding their fate. The Kalmanz have been repeatedly refused the right to emigrate and Join their family. The plight of the Kalmans is very real indeed and I commend their courage and perserverance. However. they are just one couple out of the many thousands that are experiencing the same treatment. the same harassment. the same heartlessness. We must continue to protest the treatment of the 2 million Soviet Jews at every step. We will not have accomplished our purpose and fulfilled our moral responsibilities until the day comes when Soviet Jews will be free to profess and practice their religion. preserve their cultural heritage and exercise their right to emigrate and live where they choose. Until that day. we must and will continue to persevere.@