[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 173 (Thursday, November 8, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2370]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        HONORING THE SOVIET JEWISH FREEDOM MOVEMENT H. RES. 759

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                     HON. DEBBIE WASSERMAN SCHULTZ

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, November 8, 2007

  Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Madam Speaker, December 7th marks the 40th 
anniversary of the mass movement for Soviet Jewish freedom, and the 
20th anniversary of the Freedom Sunday Rally for Soviet Jews on the 
National Mall in Washington, DC. To honor the movement, I am proud to 
co-sponsor H. Res. 759, a resolution celebrating both of these 
milestones. We remember these moments to commemorate all of those who 
struggled and died for their freedom and to celebrate the efforts of 
advocacy groups that tirelessly campaigned for Soviet Jewry.
  Twenty years ago, on December 7, 1987, more than 250,000 people 
rallied in Washington, DC to support freedom and amnesty for Jews 
living in the Soviet Union. The human rights campaign resulted from 
more than two decades of human rights violations and utter lack of 
freedom for Jews in the Soviet Union. The governmental policy on Soviet 
Jews violated even the most basic of human rights, including freedom of 
religion, freedom of movement, and the freedom to study ones culture, 
language and heritage. Soviet Jews were at risk of arrest, exile to 
Siberia and harassment for exercising their right to practice their 
religion or celebrate the Zionist movement. However despite the odds 
and risks there were many brave Soviet Jews, who worked clandestinely 
and tirelessly to spread Zionism, and raise Jewish consciousness among 
Soviet Jewry.
  The movement to raise awareness of the Soviet Jewish plight became a 
global effort in the 1980s due to the work of many American advocacy 
groups. My heart is warmed by the work of groups that organized 
protests, petitions, demonstrations, and rallies in United States and 
all over the world. Through these united efforts, we have witnessed 
historic progress over the past 20 years, successfully opening the 
doors for millions of Soviet Jews who had been held as virtual 
prisoners within their own country. The movement also helped to cement 
Jewish solidarity, raise charity and unite Jews from all over the 
world.
  However, the struggle for religious freedom continues today in many 
other countries. Activists labor tirelessly in the United States and 
abroad to fight anti-Semitism and religious discrimination wherever it 
exists. It is incumbent upon us to remember the lessons from the 
movement for tolerance and religious freedom in the Soviet Union as we 
continue the fight for religious rights around the world. I commend 
Congressman Waxman for this timely and important resolution recognizing 
this milestone, and I support the ongoing efforts of those promoting 
religious freedom worldwide.

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