The Knesset today returned for the day from its summer recess to urge world public opinion to help the oppressed Jews of the Soviet Union and Syria. The Jews in the Soviet Union and Syria cannot be saved by one short rescue operation as were the Israeli hostages held in Uganda. Yitzhak Navon, head of the Knesset’s Security and Foreign Affairs Committee, declared.
Minister-Without-Portfolio Gideon Hausner, noting that it was one year since the Soviet Union signed the Helsinki Agreement, said, “I accuse Russia with systematic violations of its international obligations and undertakings including the Helsinki Agreement.” He said the Soviet Union has refused to allow families to be reunited as it agreed to at Helsinki.
Hausner added that the USSR signed a convention on freedom of communications but has not allowed letters and parcels to be delivered to Soviet Jews and continues to interfere with Israeli radio programs to the USSR.
Referring to Syrian Jews, Hausner said they are in danger of their lives and are being held as hostages by Syria. Navon said the 4500 Jews still in Syria are not allowed to emigrate and are restricted as to their movements and ability to work. Likud MK Bension Keshet said that while the Syrian Jews are able to endure the hardships forced upon them, Israel must lead the struggle on their behalf, seeking the aid of Jews and others throughout the world.
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