Speech #1050199267

We want to stand as a beacon for religious freedom because we believe it goes to the most basic and most essential of all human freedoms and all human rights. The cold war brought considerable national attention to the plight of Soviet Jews who faced extreme religious intolerance and persecution. United States concerns ultimately translated into national policy. including the enactment of the JacksonVanik law which tied trade with the Soviet Union and other Communist nations to their allowing Jews to emigratejust one example of how this Nation has translated into policy these basic fundamental beliefs. By contrast. there has been little focus lately. unfortunately. on some of the increasing persecution of Christians and some of the horrific persecution of Christians and other peoples of faith around the world. As a nation. we have assumed a responsibility. a moral imperative. to raise the basic human rights issues. the basic examples of persecution. to use the tools available to us to motivate change toward these individuals in various countries around the world practicing various faiths.