Speech #1010133783

I congratulate the Polish Prime Minister for his bold step in the face of Arab intimidation and coercion. which has resulted in the closing of one of the gateway cities for Soviet Jews leaving the Soviet Union on their way to Israel. Malev. the Hungarian airline. announced on March 22. that it would terminate its flights through Budapest and cancel tickets that had already been bought. The Hungarian Embassy announced the next day that it would refuse to stamp transit visas for emigrating Soviet Jews. These two actions have effectively shut off one of the main routes for Soviet Jews who wish to emigrate to Israel. Mr. President. the situation facing Soviet Jews is growing increasingly more precarious. The Soviet have refused to consummate the AeroflotEI Al direct flight agreement. they have terminated special charter flights to Israel. and the Soviet emigration offices in Moscow and Moldavia. which is an area bordering Romania. have posted notices that emigration applications will not be accepted. The window Is closing on the Soviet Jews. Mr. President. and we must ensure that the window remains open. Please remember that once a Soviet Jew is granted permission to emigrate. he loses his job. his apartmentliteraly everything. There are growing number of Soviet Jews who are now in limbo. Their Government has said they can emigrate. but their Government has actively worked to shut off all means of egress. Thousands of Soviet Jews have been given permission to emigrate from the Soviet Union. yet are trapped in a country they desperately want to leave. because the Soviets will not permit flights. Mr. President. the Soviet Jews need our help. and the help of the world.