Chairman. it became clear to me that in addition to being a great boost for Israel. it would impose severe problems and burdens. The costs of resettlement are considerable. especially for a small nation like Israel with heavy defense and other expenses. In view of that. and in view of our Nations historic concern and aid for refugees and for Soviet Jewry. I introduced a bill along with my colleague from New York . Similar legislation was introduced in the Senate by Senators MUSKIE and JAVITS. My legislation proposed providing $85 million from the Government and people of the United States to help with the resettlement of Soviet Jews reaching Israel. That figure is based on about $2.000 for each of the refugees expected to emigrate to Israel this year based on current migration levelsonly a fraction of the total cost to Israel for resettlement. Mr. Chairman. since introduction of that legislation. I have had the memorable opportunity to inspect and observe firsthand. as head of an official Foreign Affairs Committee mission. the emigrationthe aliyahof these refugees. First we observed them in Vienna. where they arrive from Russia by train. and are housed a day or two while basic information is obtained and cabled to Israel. Then we observed their resettlement in Israel itself.
Keywords matched
emigrate emigrationthe refugees