Tear Gas Protest

The release of tear gas at the performance of the Soviet Moiseyev dancers was treated with a certain amount of sympathy by the media, and actions of those who tried to express outrage at Soviet anti-Semitism were deplored.

It is very unfortunate that it takes this kind of violence to call attention to the gross violations of human rights in the U.S.S.R. If more attention were paid by the media to peaceful protests, the violent activities would hardly be needed.

I wonder what the attitude of the press would be if a similar incident had taken place at a South African dance or sports performance. As a guess, I would say that it would be praised and excused as a justifiable reaction by frustrated oppressed people.

I can only express the futile hope that Soviet citizens--Jewish and non-Jewish--could be granted just some of the rights that are currently enjoyed by South African blacks. If this were done, there would be no need for tear gas.

SI FRUMKIN

Studio City

Frumkin is chairman of the Southern California Council for Soviet Jews.