Speech #990173526

Mr. Feltsman also found that the tires of his car had been slashed. Perhaps most frustrating of all. however. is the fact that Soviet officials of the Department of Emigration have three times refused the Feltsmans the visas they need to join their family in Israel. Although Mrs. Feltsmans brother and aunt both reside in Israel. the visas have been denied under the sentence: "No close relatives in Israel." This story is not unique. Thousands of Jews in the Soviet Union have expressed their desire to emigrate to Israelas is their right under the Helsinki accords. Instead of getting visas they lose their Jobs. their friends. and put tremendous strains on families as they commit their lives to their decision. This is not right and I call on the leaders of the Soviet Union to search their consciences for ways to change this situation.9