Speech #1000093388

I wish to add my voice to the Congressional Call to Conscience on the plight of Soviet Jews. Despite the recent release of several prominent Jewish refuseniks from the Soviet Union. the majority of them still face an absolutely deplorable situation. Although I am pleased each time I receive news that someone who has been awaiting permission to emigrate has been granted an exit visa. such good news must be considered in the sobering context of the other thousands of Soviet citizens who have been denied their human rights. persecuted. imprisoned. and denied the right to emigrate. An estimated 400.000 Jewish Soviet citizens have been denied this basic right. I would like to call attention to the plight of one refusenik couple of particular interest to me.