As a member of the Congressional coalition for Soviet Jews. as well as the Congressional Human Rights Caucus. I believe it is vital that we reaffirm our dedication to the cause for which Shcharansky served so many years in prison. Although the release of Anatoly Shcharansky may appear promising. the Soviet leadership has given no indication that it will permit Jewish emigration to occur on a significant scale. In many ways. Shcharanskys case was typical of the Soviet Jewish experience. Once a highly respected computer scientist. his application to emigrate and his involvement in Jewish cultural activities soon cost him his job and eventually landed him in prison. where he spent the last 7 years. Shcharanskys liberation was touted by the Soviets as a trade. an exchange for convicted spies. and this too is typical of the official Soviet attitude toward its Jewish citizens. The Soviet press is openly antiSemitic.
Identified stereotypes
Soviet Jews are being persecuted and denied emigration.