Just as in Egypt~during Biblical times. the Jews in Russia today are denied basic human rights. They have been stripped of their cultural and religious identity by a nation .that has repeatedly stated that it opposes organized religion. Rather than continue to live in an atmosphere of such tyranny and oppression. many Russian Jews are desirous of emigrating to Israel. Lately. the Soviet Government has so consented. but only to a very small degree. The small number of Jews that has been allowed to leave Russia is but a minute fraction of those who have petitioned to emigrate. The Passover season is a most fitting time for a reversalof this policy. An integral part of the Passover dinner. the Seder. intones "next year in Jerusalem." For Russian Jews this line takes on obviously added significance and Is not simply an idle chant. it is an expression of their highest hope. I sincerely hope that the Government of the U.S.S.R.. in an exercise of humanitarianism. sees:fit to relax its present policy -on emigration. Next year. hopefully. the thousands of Russian Jews who have petitioned to leave Russia will be spending Passover in Jerusalem. as is their goil and their right.
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emigrate emigration emigrating