Todays ceremony in the Capitol in honor of Anatoly Shcharansky is proof of the profound and powerful impact that world opinion can command. But while his is a victory in which we all can share. it is also one that continues to elude the grasp of thousands of others whose desire for freedom is just as great. There are today over 300.000 Soviet Jews who have expressed a desire to emigrate and who are unable to do so because of Soviet governmental refusal to adhere to international treaty obligations. It is my hope that todays national recognition of this courageous man signals our renewed efforts to redouble our commitment to help those who ask only to exercise their basic human rights. to practice their religion. to emigrate and be reunited with their families. Perhaps in the not too distant future. we will gather again in the rotunda of this great symbol of freedom. not to honor one or two people who endured and triumphed despite the Soviets refusal to acknowledge basic human freedoms. but to celebrate the fulfillment of the dream of freedom for all refuseniks through the establishment of a true EastWest accord that recognizes the inextricable link between international peace and human dignity.
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