Soviet Immigration

The World Report of Aug. 20 included an update on the impact of the Soviet crisis on Israel subtitled “A Chill for Israel.” In this column Daniel Williams reported incorrectly that immigration to Israel was down significantly this year. Although the month of December, 1990, saw an all-time high of 30,000 Jews arrive in Israel, this year to date is higher than the same year-to-date figure in 1990. From Jan. 1, 1990, to July 31, 1990, 64,970 Soviet Jews arrived in Israel. During that same time period in 1991, 96,992 people arrived.

As of July 31, 86,000 Soviets hold exit visas to leave for Israel but only a few thousands, maybe 5,000, hold the passport which is now required by the new Soviet emigration legislation. Williams stated that 65,000 hold passports. This is not possible.

ELLEN RABIN, Director

Commission on Soviet Jewry

Jewish Federation Council

of Greater Los Angeles