[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 144 (Monday, October 12, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2094]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        RECOGNIZING SYRIA'S LIBERAL POLICY OF JEWISH EMIGRATION

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                           HON. TOM CAMPBELL

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 12, 1998

  Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. Speaker, I come to the floor today to recognize 
with commendation that the country of Syria followed through on its 
promises regarding Jewish emigration over the past six years.
  Beginning in 1992, without fanfare, Syria eased its strict travel and 
emigration policies on its Jewish community. Numbering around 100,000 
at the turn of the century, the Syrian Jewish community numbered only 
approximately 5,000 by 1992. Up until 1992, Syrian Jews could only 
travel outside of the country individually, and only if family members 
remained behind. Between April and October of 1992, however, 
approximately 2,600 of this 5,000 were allowed to emigrate from Syria.
  In October of 1992, Syria temporarily suspended this eased emigration 
policy. However, in December of 1993, Secretary of State Warren 
Christopher visited the country, and in a goodwill gesture during this 
visit, President Assad informed Secretary Christopher that all 
remaining Jewish families were free to leave Syria. The liberal Jewish 
emigration procedures soon resumed, and the Department of State informs 
me that all but 118 Jewish individuals have been granted exit visas and 
left Syria. The majority of these families decided to resettle in the 
United States, specifically in Brooklyn, where a thriving Syrian Jewish 
community of about 35,000 exists. The State Department reports none of 
these remaining Syrian Jews have reported Syrian government 
persecution, and that many plan to emigrate soon.
  I was first made aware of Syria's emigration policy towards its 
Jewish community when I met with President Assad this past June in 
Damascus. In discussion, President Assad referenced this emigration 
policy as an example of Syria's continuing good faith effort to propel 
forward the Middle-East peace process. He did not, but some in the 
Syrian government did, observe that no statement of acknowledgment of 
Syria's following through on its emigration commitment had ever been 
entered into the Congressional Record. I wish to correct that oversight 
now.
  Emigration is a basic human right that all responsible nations 
respect and allow. I commend President Assad for joining the community 
of nations that seek to guarantee this human right. In an attempt to 
create a conducive atmosphere toward fostering the peace process, 
President Assad allowed Syrian Jews to emigrate. Six years have passed 
since this policy began. It is time that recognition and approbation be 
properly given.

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