The Knesset called on the “enlightened peoples of the world” today to intervene on behalf of nine Soviet Jews presently on trial in Leningrad and to ensure that “no further illegal and inhumane trials take place within the Soviet Union.” The resolution was adopted unanimously except for the pro-Moscow Communist faction which boycotted the Knesset session. It followed a statement by Premier Golda Meir who charged Soviet authorities with “attempting once again to initiate a hate-and-fear campaign” against Soviet Jews and accused the Kremlin of “abusing the basic principles of human rights and justice for its own political ends.” Mrs. Meir observed that six of the accused have been held in custody since June, 1970 during which time their relatives were not allowed to visit them. She ridiculed Soviet press reports that the trial was open. She said most of the 150 spectators in the courtroom were Soviet secret police. Mrs. Meir warned the Soviet authorities that they “would not succeed by any means however devious, to break the spirit of the Soviet Jewish community.” Following adoption of the resolution the House recessed for 45 minutes while its members visited the wailing wall to join Soviet emigres demonstrating there.
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The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
