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“STATEMENT RECOGNIZING SYRIA'S LIBERAL POLICY OF JEWISH EMIGRATION” mentioning the U.S. Dept of State was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E1966-E1967 on Oct. 8, 1998.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
STATEMENT RECOGNIZING SYRIA'S LIBERAL POLICY OF JEWISH EMIGRATION
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HON. TOM CAMPBELL
of california
in the house of representatives
Thursday, October 8, 1998
Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. Speaker, I come to the floor today to recognize with commendation that the country of Syria followed through on its promises regarding Jewish emigration over the past 6 years.
Beginning in 1992, without fanfare, Syria eased its strict travel and emigration policies on its Jewish community. Numbering around 100,000 at the turn of the century, the Syrian Jewish community numbered only approximately 5,000 by 1992. Up until 1992, Syrian Jews could only travel outside of the country individually, and only if family members remained behind. Between April and October of 1992, however, approximately 2,600 of this 5,000 were allowed to emigrate from Syria.
In October of 1992, Syria temporarily suspended this eased emigration policy. However, in December of 1993, Secretary of State Warren Christopher visited the country, and in a goodwill gesture during this visit, President Assad informed Secretary Christopher that all remaining Jewish families were free to leave Syria. The liberal Jewish emigration procedures soon resumed, and the Department of State informs me that all but 118 Jewish individuals have been granted exit visas and left Syria. The majority of these families decided to resettle in the United States, specifically in Brooklyn, where a thriving Syrian Jewish community of about 35,000 exists. The State Department reports none of these remaining Syrian Jews have reported Syrian government persecution, and that many plan to emigrate soon.
I was first made aware of Syria's emigration policy toward its Jewish community when I met with President Assad this past June in Damascus. In discussion, President Assad referenced this emigration policy as an example of Syria's continuing good faith effort to propel forward the Middle-East peace process. He did not, but some in the Syrian government did, observe that no statement of acknowledgment of Syria's following through on its emigration commitment had ever been entered into the Congressional Record. I wish to correct that oversight now.
Emigration is a basic human right that all responsible nations respect and allow. I commend President Assad for joining the community of nations that seek to guarantee this human right. In an attempt to create a conducive atmosphere toward fostering the peace process, President Assad allowed Syrian Jews to emigrate. Six years have passed since this policy began. It is time that recognition and approbation be properly given.
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