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Rally for Soviet Jewry, New York, NY, December 13, 1971
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The original documents are located in Box D32, folder "Rally for Soviet Jewry, New York,
NY, December 13, 1971" of the Ford Congressional Papers: Press Secretary and Speech
File at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.
Copyright Notice
The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making of
photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. The Council donated to the United
States of America his copyrights in all of his unpublished writings in National Archives collections.
Works prepared by U.S. Government employees as part of their official duties are in the public
domain. The copyrights to materials written by other individuals or organizations are presumed to
remain with them. If you think any of the information displayed in the PDF is subject to a valid
copyright claim, please contact the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.
Distribution Full
75 copies to NY
Galleries 5pm 12/10/71
M Office Copy
mail
a.m. 12/13/71
REMARKS BY REP. GERALD R. FORD, R-MICH.
REPUBLICAN LEADER, U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
AT A RALLY FOR SOVIET JEWRY
MADISON SQUARE GARDEN, NEW YORK, NEW YORK
7:30 P.M. E.S.T., MONDAY, DECEMBER 13, 1971
FOR RELEASE AT 6:30 P.M., E.S.T.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 13, 1971
I am very proud to be with you tonight. This mass demonstration is in the
finest tradition of the United States. I say so because this gathering is positive
in its approach rather than negative, constructive rather than destructive, and for
a great cause rather than against such a cause. The cause advocated here is human
freedom.
It has been brought to my attention that today is the first day of the Hebrew
festival of Chanukah. I am told that this is an occasion when one is supposed to
light candles to commemorate an ancient struggle for Jewish liberation. As a fellow
American who is inspired by the deeds of Israel and the brave struggle by so many
Jewish residents of Soviet Russia, and as the person responsible for the leadership
of my party, the Republican Party, in the United States House of Representatives,
I want to join in lighting some candles of hope. Let there be beacons of light that
shine forth from this meeting to let the Jewish people of the Soviet Union know they
have not been forgotten.
I see no point in elaborating on or repeating the facts of which you are so
painfully aware. You know that there are more than 40 Jews in prison in Russia
merely because they sought the right to join co-religionists in Israel. You know
that Sylva Zalmonson is dying in captivity. You know about the deprivation of
cultural and religious rights, the scapegoating of Jews, the anti-semitic propaganda,
the discrimination in education and employment. You know about the cruel obstructions
placed in the way of those who seek to emigrate.
The real reason I came here from Washington is to discuss what the United
States Government can do to help Soviet Jewry.
Some of our diplomats and experts on the protocol of statesmanship have, in
the past, insisted that we have no business as a Government to comment on the
internal and domestic affairs of another nation. But that has not stopped the
Soviet Union from intervening in the internal and domestic affairs of
Czechoslovakia, of Hungary, of Poland, of Romania, of Lithuania, of Latvia, and
(more)
Digitized from Box D32 of The Ford Congressional Papers: Press Secretary and Speech File at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
-2-
of other nations. They--the Russians--have certainly not hesitated to intervene
in the affairs of the peoples of the Middle East. They certainly showed no sense
of propriety in intervening in the India -Pakistan dispute when they vetoed the
United Nations' efforts to stop the bloodshed!
Since the Soviet Union uses its veto at the United Nations and asserts
itself through the U.N. when it suits Russian convenience, I feel that it is now
very appropriate for the United States to remind the Russians of the United Nations
Declaration on Human Rights. And I speak specifically about the right of the Jews
of the Soviet Union to live as normal human beings with all the rights and freedoms
enjoyed by others--and especially the freedom to leave the U.S.S.R. if they want to.
Earlier this year, President Nixon urged freedom of emigration for Soviet
Jews as explicitly provided for by Article 13 of the United Nations Declaration on
Human Rights. He also called for cultural and religious freedom for Soviet Jewry.
It would now appear to me that the President of the United States has an
historic opportunity to serve a compelling humanitarian cause on his forthcoming
visit to the Soviet Union. The President will be speaking with the prestige of our
great nation. The Russians will be seeking various concessions and compromises
from the United States. The time would be ripe for President Nixon to very
appropriately raise the issue of Soviet Jewry with the Soviet Government.
When Prime Minister Trudeau of Canada visited Moscow he told the Kremlin how
Canadians felt about the oppression of the Russian Jews. Leaders of many other
nations have similarly expressed themselves. President Nixon can exert the greatest
impact on behalf of Soviet Jewry.
Accordingly, I will recommend very strongly to the President that he consider
this line of direct action. If the decision is made at top levels now, there will
be adequate time for planning and structuring the most effective approach.
The Jewish people of the Soviet Union have been singled out for special
restrictions. They are denied the consideration accorded other minorities. The
Kremlin is very sensitive to this issue. It has undermined the Communist pre-
tensions of human equality and social justice. Indeed, there are some indications
of minor concessions by the Moscow authorities to the rising outcry of world
public opinion. This year more than 7,000 Jews were permitted to emigrate to
Israel in response to the pressures exerted by men of good will. 1971 has been a
record year.
(more)
-3-
But this is not the moment to relax our efforts. Too many lives are at
stake. Too many men, women, and children are waiting. Too many people are in
jeopardy.
The President has a very clear mandate from the Congress. Our Congress has
adopted many resolutions and other expressions requesting and authorizing the
President to act on behalf of those subjected to religious discrimination by the
Soviet Union. During the Eisenhower Administration, as far back as 1953, the
Congress condemned the persecution by the U.S.S.R. of all minorities. In 1954 the
Congress asked the churches and synagogues of America to set aside a portion of
their services on Easter Sunday and Passover for special prayers for deliverance
of all those behind the Iron Curtain who are denied freedom of worship. Perhaps
it would be wise to repeat this in 1972.
Even now there is new legislation pending before the Congress. I have
offered my support for a House concurrent resolution that calls for the free
exercise of religion in the Soviet Union and asks that country to permit its
citizens to emigrate to countries of their choice.
The Attorney General, Mr. Mitchell, has already disclosed that Soviet Jewish
refugees could be admitted to the United States under the parole authority provided
by our immigration laws. I congratulate the Attorney General on this initiative.
This makes it unnecessary for Congress to pass additional legislation covering
non-quota visas for Soviet Jews. This action by our Administration imposes no
limitation on the number of Jewish refugees who could be admitted to the United
States. I refer, of course, to persons who may not elect to settle in the State of
Israel because they have relatives here or for some other reasons.
I might mention at this point the fact that the Voice of America has
increased the amount of its broadcasts in Russian, on Jewish subjects, beamed at
the Soviet Union. This is significant but I personally believe there should be
Voice of America broadcasts in Yiddish. Not only would this tend to enhance the
Jewish cultural heritage among Soviet Jews, but it also would be a symbol of U.S.
support for Jews in the Soviet Union.
I would like to reassure you that President Nixon has been carefully
following the cause for which you have assembled. As far back as 1959, when he
served as Vice-President, Mr. Nixon inaugurated a practice of presenting to Soviet
leaders lists of names of Soviet residents, including many Jews, who were denied
(more)
4.
exit permits to join relatives in the United States. In fact, Mr. Nixon innovated
this approach on a visit to Moscow in that year, 1959.
I would make a particular point with the President that he place high on
his agenda the liberation from Siberian labor camps of all persons jailed for Jewish
activities. Also, there is no reason that a government which pretends to be
civilized cannot for humanitarian considerations notify Israel, whether or not
Israel is diplomatically recognized at this time by that government, of numbers and
dates of departure of Jews to be released from Russia. Then the Jewish Agency and
the Israeli Government Ministry of Absorption would be in a better position to make
adequate preparations for housing, feeding, jobs, education, health and so forth.
Now there is no notice whatever until the trains arrive in Vienna from Russia.
It was with a sense of horror that I read of the Soviet policy of confining
to mental institutions as psychiatric cases those persons with courage enough to
speak out against the government. I was shocked that Russian doctors would lend
themselves to a policy of declaring insane those individuals whose views trouble
the authorities. When the World Psyciatric Association met last week in Mexico
the association refused to condemn the Soviet's use of psychiatry as a tool for
political repression.
In this country we have an American Psychiatric Association. I would
recommend to the A.P.A. that it adopt a suitable resolution condemning the Russian
psychiatrists when the association meets at its coming convention.
Perhaps educators, clergymen, scientists and people of various other
professions in the public sector of American life could do likewise when Soviet
policies involve a particular profession. This struggle must be waged on a
people-to-people basis as well as a government-to-government basis.
I will return to Washington better equipped to see the President of the
United States on the basis of the strong dedication to human liberty demonstrated
by you here in this great meeting in the city of New York. I can bear witness that
America cares. Over the harbor of this city stands the Statue of Liberty. It
symbolizes the role of our nation as a champion of the oppressed and as a haven for
those who seek to worship God in their own way. It is a light to the world.
Let our American values again demonstrate to the peoples of the world that we
Americans have not changed in our devotion to the freedom and brotherhood of man
under the fatherhood of God. I thank you.
# # #
Speech by Rep. Gerald R. Ford at a Freddom Lights for Soviet Jewry Rally at 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 13, at Madison Sqaure Garden, New York City.
242
Sears (notgiven)
We are gathered here tonight because the
voices of
oppressed and
persecuted Jews brothers cry out to us from the Soviet Union.
It is appropriate that we meet at this time, the first day of Chanukah (hahn-ewe-
cah). Again we mark the historic festival of liberation. We commemorate the time
when small but dedicated bands of Jewish freedom-fighters battled to prevent
religious and cultural genocide.
You are like those early freedom-fighters. They fought to perpetuate the Jewish
you
people and the Jewish nation, and tonight are gathered to help perpotuate the
Jess in the Seviet Union
Wednesday will be the third day of Chanukah and the anniversary of the
first Leningrad Take] Tonight and every night from now on should Amemendous
more than
of support for the 40
Jewish Prisoners of Conscience now being
held in Soviet jails. And
tonight and every night should be marked by
Herculean effort to free those prisoners and especially Sylva Zalmonson, who as you
know is dying while being held captive=-dysing for the so-called crime of wanting
to go to Israel.
you are painfully aware
of details
For the more than 40 Jewish
Prisoners of Conscience being held behind prison
walls by
Soviet
oppre ssors the
physical survival.
But there is more than
physical survival involved when we consider the plight
of all Soviet Jews. The basic issue is the survival of Jewish identity,
the right of the individual to decide how he worships his God, the right of freedom
of choice.
It is fitting that the United States Government and citizens of all faiths
identify with the Jewish observance of Chanukah C (hahn-ewe-cah). There is deep
GERAND FORD LIBRARY
next May, and I will urge him to do so. I personally attach great importance to this
matter.
-2-
concern in this country about the religious and cultural genotcide being
Communist
practiced on Jewish citizens of the Soviet Union by their
masters.
The plight of Soviet Jews has not been--cannot be--exaggerated, not while there
is even one Jewish Prisoner of Conscience
locked
up behind cold prison walls in the Soviet Union.
As for cultural
and religious genotide, it has been documented that Soviet
Jews suffer because of grossly inadequate religious facilities, pressures against
symagogue attendance, lack of Yiddish or Hebrew teaching, tokenism in the publishing
and staging of Yiddish works, quota restrictions on university entrance, and exclusion
from careers considered sensitive and from important political jobs.
The charge of cultural genocide is fully justified. We all know that Soviet
Jews are deprived of the ingredients needed to preserve their
cultural
and religious identity. And we have seen outbreaks of anti-Semitism from time to
time in the Soviet Union, tied in with developments in the Middle East.
(MORE)
SEAL R.FORD HEBRARK
If Soviet Jews were not being discriminated against and oppressed, why would they
wish so desperatelly to leave the Soviet Union.
The mere fact that nearly all Soviet Jews, like other Soviet citizens, are
held prisoner in their native land is proof enough of oppre ssion.
Individual
applicants for emigration have been harrassed. Jewish activists
have been S entenced to terms in forced-labor camps.
It is no comflort that other Soviet civil-rights activists and minority-group
militants have been subjected to similar reprisals.
The fact remains that Soviet
Jews suffer recurrent repressions simply because they are Jows. And this is
unconscionable.
Are we to excuse Soviet pre ssures genotcide is a crime.
fraible assimilations ofJens? Cultural
"Man doth not live by bread
only, but by every word that proceedeth out of
the mouth of the Lord doth man live."
Nobody who values freedom of the spirit can make light of the arrests, trials and
convictions of Jews in Leningrad, Riga and Kishinev this year merely for possessing
Hebrew
dictionaries and prayer books.
How can anyone say that Soviet Jews are not living in a state of fear?
It was just last December that the Soviet Union imposed death sentences
on
two Jews and commuted those sentences to
lengthy prison terms only because
of
the pressure of world opinion.
Leningrad Jair
The now are serving out those harsh prison terms, together with other Jewish
Prisoners of ** Conscience
In
V
clearly
Inr
my view Jews in the Soviet Union are
being terrorized. And
it is the obligation of every member of Congre SS to
protest the fact that the
Soviets will not let them live as Jews or let them leave the Soviet Union.
So the Soviety Union's Supreme Court commuted the sentences of the two Jews
who had been condemned to death. The world breathed D a sigh 01 relief. But do we
congratulate someone who stops murdering people and simply maims them?
LIBRAR
deteriorate,
If conditions for Soviet Jews do not should we say, Wonderful,
things could be much worse?"
I join with you in saying the Soviet Union is nilty of cultural
genorcide
and should halt immediately all repressive practices aimed at foreitly assimilating
Jews into the life of the Soviet state.
I join with you in demanding that the Soviet Union let all Jews who wish to leave
Russia depart for other lands freely and thout har assment.
There are no words more meaningful than that brief utterance in Exodus, "Lot
my people go."
It is the finger of God which writes of the preciousness of freedom and the sacred
right of religious liberty.
Let me tell you right now that I strongly support the
Anderson-
O'Neill bill, House Concurrent Resolution 471, which alls for the free exercise of
religion in the Soviet Union and demands of the Soviet Union that it permit its
citizens to emigrate to the countries of their choice.
GERALD FORD LIBRARY
There is hope, I feel, in the fact that the Soviet Union yielded to the weight of
world opinion in commuting the death senttences after the Leningrad $ trials.
There
is
hope
in
the
reports that the Soviet Union has allowed more than 7,000
Jews
to emigrate to Israel this year under pressure from
sit-ins, petitions and
hunger strikes at home and public opinion abroad. This is
admittedly a small number but
large in comparison with the allowed emigration of any
fewish
other Soviet group. And it is the largest tottal for any one year todate.
The Nixon Administration stands solidly behind Soviet Jewry on the issue of emigration
Last January 11 President Nixon urged "freedomp of emigration as explicityl provided
in Article 13 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights" as well as "cultural
and religious freedom at
home and abroad."
Recently
n Our Government
told a Youth Mobilization for Sovie two Jewry:1
Wwo
believe that free movement is one of the basic human rights of all persons. We have
expressed sympathy and support on many occasions for persons in the Soviet Union who
wish to emigrate, often to rejoin their families elsewhere, but who are denied
permission to do so. We shall continue to. take every practical measure which could
helb to overcome the B hardships suffered by such persons.
Our Government
regularly presents to Soviet officials at a high level the
names of Soviet
residents, including many Jews, who have been denied permission
to join close relatives in the United States. Richard Nixon, when he was vice-presidant,
inaugurated that practice
visite the Soviet Union in 1959.
this year's list included the
names of some 150 Soviet
Jews.
The Soviet Union has permitted a small amount of emigration to the United State
about 250 persons a year. This year, through Oct. 31, our embassy in Moscow had issued
251 emigrant
visas.
these, 134 were issued to Jews. This compares
with 1970, when
the
Soviet
Union
allowed only 78 Soviet Jews to emigrate to the
United States.
It
is
just possible that
the Soviet Union might suddenly alter its present
policy and allow a
much larger number of Soviet Jews to leave for the United States.
Because of that possibility, Attorney General John Mitchell has announced that under
such circumstances he would exercise his discretion and would parole Soviet Jews who are
able to leave the Soviet Union. This makes
it
unnecessary for Congress to
consider legislation providing for non-quota visas for Soviet Jews. I applaud this
initiative on the parti of the Nixon Administration. Use of the Attorney General's
parole
power places no limitation on the number of Soviet Jewish refugees who can be
admitted to this country.
There is another initiative I would like to see President Nixon take. I would like
GRALD FORD LIBRA
him to include the plight of Soviet Jewry on the agenda for his summit meeting at Moscow
next May, and I will urge him to do 80. I personally attach great importance to this
matter.
has
I might mention at this point the fact
that
the
Voice of American
beamed at
Increase
the amount of its broadcasts in Russian on
Jewish subjects
the
This is significant but
Soviet Union. I personally believe there should be Voice of America broadcasts in
Yiddish. Not only would this tend to enhance the Jewish
cultural
heritage
among Soviet Jews, but it also would be a symbol of U.S. support for Jews in the Soviet
Union.
The task that
remains before us is to keep up an unrelenting campaign aimed
at bringing the continuing
pressure of world opinion on the Soviet
Union. Pour it on! Only through such a campaign can we got the Soviet Union to lift
its restrictions on
emigration of Soviet Jews and to abandon the terroristic
Soviet
practices of firtings and even arrest and imprisonment for those Jews who defy the
authorities in order to live as Jews.
We must press for an end to officially-sponsored and officially-condoned
anti-Semitism in Russia. We must seek full rights of religious liberty for Soviet
Jews. Our battle cry must be liberation !
We have a great cause. Our cause is just, and Ifeelt sure We will be
triumphant.
Our cause will prevail because "truth...is mighty above all things."
Let every man and woman here be
strong and of good courage. Lot us move
forward in unity.
Lot us live anew the me ssage of Chaunukah (hahn-ewe-cah) that no power on earth
cancrush the faith of man. As the prophet Zachari said, "Not by might nor by
power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts."
It is that
spirit which guides us tonight, as we look forward to the day
hand ofths
when the oppre ssor shall be
lifted
and the Prisoners of
Conscience
shall be free both
body and
soul
########
Full Distribution
Q Office Copy
REMARKS BY REP. GERALD R. FORD, R-MICH.
REPUBLICAN LEADER, U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
AT A RALLY FOR SOVIET JEWRY
MADISON SQUARE GARDEN, NEW YORK, NEW YORK
7:30 P.M. E.S.T., MONDAY, DECEMBER 13, 1971
FOR RELEASE AT 6:30 P.M., E.S.T.
LONDAY, DECEMBER 13, 1971
I am very proud to be with you tonight. This mass demonstration is in the
finest tradition of the United States. I say so because this gathering is positive
in its approach rather than negative, constructive rather than destructive, and for
a great cause rather than against such a cause. The cause advocated here is human
freedom.
It has been brought to my attention that today is the first day of the Hebrew
festival of Chanukah. I am told that this is an occasion when one is supposed to
light candles to commemorate an ancient struggle for Jewish liberation. As a fellow
American who is inspired by the deeds of Israel and the brave struggle by so many
Jewish residents of Soviet Russia, and as the person responsible for the leadership
of my party, the Republican Party, in the United States House of Representatives,
I want to join in lighting some candles of hope. Let there be beacons of light that
shine forth from this meeting to let the Jewish people of the Soviet Union know they
have not been forgotten.
I see no point in elaborating on or repeating the facts of which you are so
painfully aware. You know that there are more than 40 Jews in prison in Russia
merely because they sought the right to join co-religionists in Israel. You know
that Sylva Zalmonson is dying in captivity. You know about the deprivation of
cultural and religious rights, the scapegoating of Jews, the anti-semitic propaganda,
the discrimination in education and employment. You know about the cruel obstructions
placed in the way of those who seek to emigrate.
The real reason I came here from Washington is to discuss what the United
States Government can do to help Soviet Jewry.
Some of our diplomats and experts on the protocol of statesmanship have, in
the past, insisted that we have no business as a Government to comment on the
internal and domestic affairs of another nation. But that has not stopped the
Soviet Union from intervening in the internal and domestic affairs of
Czechoslovakia, of Hungary, of Poland, of Romania, of Lithuania, of Latvia, and
(more)
-2-
of other nations. They--the Russians--have certainly not hesitated to intervene
in the affairs of the peoples of the Middle East. They certainly showed no sense
of propriety in intervening in the India -Pakistan dispute when they vetoed the
United Nations' efforts to stop the bloodshed!
Since the Soviet Union uses its veto at the United Nations and asserts
itself through the U.N. when it suits Russian convenience, I feel that it is now
very appropriate for the United States to remind the Russians of the United Nations
Declaration on Human Rights. And I speak specifically about the right of the Jews
of the Soviet Union to live as normal human beings with all the rights and freedoms
enjoyed by others--and especially the freedom to leave the U.S.S.R. if they want to.
Earlier this year, President Nixon urged freedom of emigration for Soviet
Jews as explicitly provided for by Article 13 of the United Nations Declaration on
Human Rights. He also called for cultural and religious freedom for Soviet Jewry.
It would now appear to me that the President of the United States has an
historic opportunity to serve a compelling humanitarian cause on his forthcoming
visit to the Soviet Union. The President will be speaking with the prestige of our
great nation. The Russians will be seeking various concessions and compromises
from the United States. The time would be ripe for President Nixon to very
appropriately raise the issue of Soviet Jewry with the Soviet Government.
When Prime Minister Trudeau of Canada visited Moscow he told the Kremlin how
Canadians felt about the oppression of the Russian Jews. Leaders of many other
nations have similarly expressed themselves. President Nixon can exert the greatest
impact on behalf of Soviet Jewry.
Accordingly, I will recommend very strongly to the President that he consider
this line of direct action. If the decision is made at top levels now, there will
be adequate time for planning and structuring the most effective approach.
The Jewish people of the Soviet Union have been singled out for special
restrictions. They are denied the consideration accorded other minorities. The
Kremlin is very sensitive to this issue. It has undermined the Communist pre-
tensions of human equality and social justice. Indeed, there are some indications
of minor concessions by the Moscow authorities to the rising outcry of world
public opinion. This year more than 7,000 Jews were permitted to emigrate to
Israel in response to the pressures exerted by men of good will. 1971 has been a
record year.
(more)
-3--
But this is not the moment to relax our efforts. Too many lives are at
stake. Too many men, women, and children are waiting. Too many people are in
jeopardy.
The President has a very clear mandate from the Congress. Our Congress has
adopted many resolutions and other expressions requesting and authorizing the
President to act on behalf of those subjected to religious discrimination by the
Soviet Union. During the Eisenhower Administration, as far back as 1953, the
Congress condemned the persecution by the U.S.S.R. of all minorities. In 1954 the
Congress asked the churches and synagogues of America to set aside a portion of
their services on Easter Sunday and Passover for special prayers for deliverance
of all those behind the Iron Curtain who are denied freedom of worship. Perhaps
it would be wise to repeat this in 1972.
Even now there is new legislation pending before the Congress. I have
offered my support for a House concurrent resolution that calls for the free
exercise of religion in the Soviet Union and asks that country to permit its
citizens to emigrate to countries of their choice.
The Attorney General, Mr. Mitchell, has already disclosed that Soviet Jewish
refugees could be admitted to the United States under the parole authority provided
by our immigration laws. I congratulate the Attorney General on this initiative.
This makes it unnecessary for Congress to pass additional legislation covering
non-quota visas for Soviet Jews. This action by our Administration imposes no
limitation on the number of Jewish refugees who could be admitted to the United
States. I refer, of course, to persons who may not elect to settle in the State of
Israel because they have relatives here or for some other reasons.
I might mention at this point the fact that the Voice of America has
increased the amount of its broadcasts in Russian, on Jewish subjects, beamed at
the Soviet Union. This is significant but I personally believe there should be
Voice of America broadcasts in Yiddish. Not only would this tend to enhance the
Jewish cultural heritage among Soviet Jews, but it also would be a symbol of U.S.
support for Jews in the Soviet Union.
I would like to reassure you that President Nixon has been carefully
following the cause for which you have assembled. As far back as 1959, when he
served as Vice-President, Mr. Nixon inaugurated a practice of presenting to Soviet
leaders lists of names of Soviet residents, including many Jews, who were denied
(more)
4
exit permits to join relatives in the United States. In fact, Mr. Nixon innovated
this approach on a visit to Moscow in that year, 1959.
I would make a particular point with the President that he place high on
his agenda the liberation from Siberian labor camps of all persons jailed for Jewish
activities. Also, there is no reason that a government which pretends to be
civilized cannot for humanitarian considerations notify Israel, whether or not
Israel is diplomatically recognized at this time by that government, of numbers and
dates of departure of Jews to be released from Russia. Then the Jewish Agency and
the Israeli Government Ministry of Absorption would be in a better position to make
adequate preparations for housing, feeding, jobs, education, health and so forth.
Now there is no notice whatever until the trains arrive in Vienna from Russia.
It was with a sense of horror that I read of the Soviet policy of confining
to mental institutions as psychiatric cases those persons with courage enough to
speak out against the government. I was shocked that Russian doctors would lend
themselves to a policy of declaring insane those individuals whose views trouble
the authorities. When the World Psyciatric Association met last week in Mexico
the association refused to condemn the Soviet's use of psychiatry as a tool for
political repression.
In this country we have an American Psychiatric Association. I would
recommend to the A.P.A. that it adopt a suitable resolution condemning the Russian
psvchiatrists when the association meets at its coming convention.
Perhaps educators, clergymen, scientists and people of various other
professions in the public sector of American life could do likewise when Soviet
policies involve a particular profession. This struggle must be waged on a
people-to-people basis as well as a government-to-government basis.
I will return to Washington better equipped to see the President of the
United States on the basis of the strong dedication to human liberty demonstrated
by you here in this great meeting in the city of New York. I can bear witness that
America cares. Over the harbor of this city stands the Statue of Liberty. It
symbolizes the role of our nation as a champion of the oppressed and as a haven for
those who seek to worship God in their own way. It is a light to the world.
Let our American values again demonstrate to the peoples of the world that we
Americans have not changed in our devotion to the freedom and brotherhood of man
under the fatherhood of God. I thank you.
# # #