Despite their experience they have remained steadfast. brave. resilient. and hopeful. Vladimir and Maria Slepak have been a source of inspiration to many other refuseniks for many years. A few days ago the Soviet authorities finally told them they could emigrate. Mr. Speaker. although we welcome the release of Ida Nudel. the Yakirs. and the Slepaks. we must not forget that thousands of other Jews still await permission to emigrate from the Soviet Union. Let me mention four individuals among those who have waited longest: Yelena Dubyanskaya. her husband Eric Khasin. and another married couple. Leonid Byaliy and Yudif Ratner. They have all been active in lending strength and encouragement to others sharing their sad fate and in maintaining contact with those on the outside. including Members of Congress. who ensure that the refuseniks are not forgotten. Let us hope that their courageous activity is not the reason the Soviet authorities still refuse to let these four and their children emigrate. I call on the Soviet Government to release them. and hope they will soon be free. Until they are. we and they can find comfort in one important fact: although physically they are restrained. morally they have already conquered.
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emigrate