There has been talk of the priority of rescuing those 12.000 Soviet Jews who are. like Mr. Slepak. refuseniks. These people have. by definition. been repeatedly refused an exit visa. many for 10 years or longer. I am concerned that the Soviets will let these 12.000 go and then shut the gates. This concern is heightened by rumors that Jews who are now visiting Soviet visa offices for the first time have been turned away without being allowed to apply. We must be concerned with not only the 370.000 who have at great risk already taken the first step toward leaving. but also the estimated 2 million Jews who remain in the Soviet Union. By preventing these people both from freely practicing their religion and from teaching it to their children. the Soviet Government is subjecting these Soviet Jews to cultural genocide. One can only wonder how many of these 2 million would leave if the gates were opened wide and they could ask for visas without fear. We must work to give them that chance. We must continue to stress. through letters. phone calls. and demonstrations. that we will not rest until the Soviet Union frees all who wish to live in freedom.
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