Jews in Russia reacted to the Israeli success in the 5day war with both pride and a new sense of defiance. The efforts of the Russians to weaken the Jews as a nationality succeeded only in strengthening them in their. selfawareness. While this new reawakening must be viewed as part of the overall growth of the struggle over human rights within the entire Soviet Union. it has one feature which differentiates it from the reactions of other ethnic minorities: it has focused in a growing desire for emigration to the national homeland. in this case Israel. For whatever the reasonand probably it has a lot to do with the Russian leaders unwillingness to have it be known that there is dissatisfaction within the nation. that people would actually prefer living elsewhere. the Government has refused to allow migration to take place. Perhaps a substantial portion of the 3 million Jews in Russia would want to go to Israel. but the exodus has been kept to a trickle. It is an indication of the depth of feeling that 80.000 have announced their desire to move to Israel. despite the very real consequences of merely requesting an exit visa. Because of their requests. thousands have suffered economic consequences. demotion in their jobs. and the loss of higher educational opportunities for their children. But still the demands pour in.
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emigration visa