Speech #990153720

I rise to join with my colleagues in the House of Representatives in expressing my continuing deep concern about the plight of Jews living in the Soviet Union. The recent release of "Natan ben Sharon" Shcharansky. almost 9 years after his arrest by the Soviet Secret Police on March 15. 1977. and the reuniting of several other separated spouses have been encouraging signs. However. there still has been no indication that the Soviet leadership has decided to change their policies and resume Jewish emigration in significant numbers. Although an estimated 350.000 Soviet Jews have indicated a desire to emigrate. in 1985 only 1.140 were permitted to leave. as compared to the years 1971 through 1980. when an average of over 24.500 a year were allowed to emigratereaching a high point in 1979 when 51.320 Jews departed from the Soviet Union. Natan Shcharansky is representative of the thousands of other Soviet Jews. whose commitment to the principles of religious freedom and human dignity has not waivered. The Soviets have tried to crush the spirit and will of the Jews living under Communist rule. but thousands upon thousands have responded by indicating that they wish to emigrate. Shcharansky. unfortunately. like so many others. was forced to endure a dismal existence under Communist persecution. Yet he proved that the desire to be free can triumph over the Soviet system of repression and torture. and he will continue to serve as a source of strength and inspiration to those still living in the Soviet Union and to all of us in the free world as we remain steadfast in insisting that the Soviets release all Jews who wish to emigrate to Israel. Mr. Speaker. even though the Soviets have allowed a few Jews to emigrate. including Shcharansky. the current situation is still severe. and we must continue to pressure the Soviets at every opportunity to allow Jews to practice their religion and to emigrate from the Soviet Union without fear of reprisal. The Soviet Union must be made to realize that the release of Natan Shcharansky does not diminish in any way the strength our commitment to the thousands of Jews who remain behind. and I am glad to join with my colleagues in the House of Representatives in calling on the Soviets to recognize the human rights of Soviet Jews. and allow them to emigrate to Israel.