All of these efforts. as is so often the case. were supplemented by and largely the result of tireless and inspired efforts by the Soviet Jewry lobby here in the United States. Their efforts have made a difference. not only in the case of Ida Nudel. but in the case of Soviet Jews in general. More than 5.000 Soviet Jews have been granted exit visas this year. a figure that is in stark contrast to the fewer than 1.000 who were allowed to leave in all of 1986. Yet. while there have been some promising words and encouraging actions from the Soviet Union of late. we should not allow ourselves to be misled. We should remain hopeful. but the Soviets history of human rights violations. particularly against their Jewish citizens. has been too dismal for too long to think that the situation could possibly be reversed overnight. The release of Ida Nudel does not change all of this. but is cause for continued optimism. Time and history will be the final judge. however. The fact remains that there are some 380.000 Soviet Jews who have applied to emigrate and some 11.000 have been turned down at least once. I would strongly urge my colleagues to join me in reaffirming our resolve to do everything possible to see that all Soviet Jews who wish to emigrate are allowed to emigrate. and that those who want to remain in their homeland are allowed to practice their religious and cultural beliefs without repression.
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emigrate visas