American Jewish Committee Calls Graduation of Russia From Jackson-Vanik Restrictions a Welcome, Necessary Move

American Jewish Committee
Wednesday, 14 November 2001

David A. Harris, executive director of the American Jewish Committee, issued the following statement today. Mr. Harris, one of the leaders of the Soviet Jewry movement for more than 20 years, was the coordinator of the historic December 1987 march on Washington for Soviet Jewry, which brought 250,000 people to the nation's capital.

The full text of Mr. Harris' statement follows:

"Yesterday's announcement by President Bush to seek approval from Congress to 'graduate' Russia from the trade restrictions imposed 27 years ago is a momentous event, reflecting the dramatic changes in the lives of Russian Jews and in the course of world affairs.

"The 1974 Jackson-Vanik Amendment was one of the most important contributions America made to gaining the freedom of Soviet Jews, whose only 'crime' was their deep desire to emigrate to the Jewish homeland in Israel and to other democratic countries. By linking favorable trade arrangements for Communist countries to their emigration policies, the United States sent a message that certain basic freedoms will not be compromised.

"The American message worked. Despite ups and downs in the flow from the USSR, the Jackson-Vanik Amendment was critical to securing the massive emigration of Jews from the Soviet Union. Well over 1.5 million Soviet Jews left a land of oppression to start new lives.

"In particular, at this time, we honor the memory of Senator Henry (Scoop) Jackson who, together with Congressman Charles Vanik, spearheaded the Congressional effort to pass the legislation that bears their names.

"With the implosion of the USSR and the ascendancy of new global threats, we are witnessing the development of a welcome chapter in U.S. – Russian relations. Today, we are allied with Russia in the war against those terrorists who seek to destroy the fabric of our civilization. Strengthening the U.S.-Russia alliance at this time requires new initiatives. Giving Russia upgraded trade relations is one such necessary and appropriate step.

"While the proposed 'graduation' of Russia is an important move, we, together with our colleagues in other Jewish agencies, shall continue to monitor the situation of Russia's large Jewish community, which has developed rapidly over the past decade, building an impressive infrastructure of communal life."

For more information, or to contact American Jewish Committee, see their website at: www.ajc.org