asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he is aware that Jewish citizens of the USSR are being denied facilities either to teach or learn the Hebrew language which is in direct contravention of the Helsinki Final Act; if he proposes to have this matter raised by the Irish delegation at the resumption of the Madrid Conference; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Written Answers. - USSR Jewish Citizens.
10.
As I assured Deputy Quinn in responding to a similar question from him on 1 June last, I am aware of and concerned by the harassment of Soviet Jewish citizens by the Soviet authorities. There is no doubt that obstacles are placed in the way of Soviet Jews who wish to acquire or develop their knowledge of Hebrew. Public instruction in the language is generally unavailable and private tuition is made extremely difficult.
The Soviet Government's treatment of its Jewish citizens is, as I stated here last June, contrary to the letter and spirit of the Helsinki Final Act. The Irish delegation at the Madrid meeting has repeatedly drawn attention to such human rights violations in Eastern Europe. It will do so again at the resumption of the meeting on 9 November.