March 15, 1984
Today is the International Day of Concern for Soviet Jews. It marks the seventh anniversary of
the arrest of Anatoly Shcharanskiy for his activities on behalf of human rights in the Soviet Union.
His courage and determination to stand up for those rights have earned him the respect and
admiration of countless people worldwide. But he would not want this day to be dedicated solely
to him. Rather it is a day when men and women of good will reflect on all the aspects of the
situation of Jewry in the U.S.S.R. That situation has deteriorated over the past year. Jewish
emigration from the Soviet Union has fallen to its lowest levels since the late 1960's; officially
tolerated anti-Semitism manifesting itself in broadcasts, articles, and the widely publicized
formation of an ``Anti-Zionist Committee of the Soviet Public'' has increased; and individual
refuseniks continue to be subjected to harassment.
All in all, this is a grim picture. But we will not be disheartened. Soviet Jews value the support of
concerned individuals and organizations all over the world. In our country this support reflects the
broad, grassroots concern which abuse of human rights elicits in the American public. Outrage
where human rights are violated is one of the best American traditions. I endorse the International
Day of Concern and the goals for which it stands.
The United States Government shares these goals. It has actively supported the right of Soviet
Jews to practice their cultural traditions freely and to emigrate from the U.S.S.R. if they so
choose. This point has been emphasized to the Soviet authorities in many fora and at all levels; it
has been conveyed to the new Soviet leadership. It is our sincere hope that the Soviets will ease
their repressive human rights policies and fulfill the solemn international obligations they have
undertaken, including their commitment under the Helsinki accords. In our dialog with the Soviet
authorities, we have no higher priority. Those who care about the fate of Soviet Jews should
know that we are with them today and will be with them tomorrow.