Tragically. there are thousands of Soviet Jews still waiting for their day of freedom. Last year. Jewish emigration from the Soviet Union was only 1.140 compared with 51.000 In 1979. and immigration officials express doubts that Shcharanskys release is a sign of a dramatic turnaround in Soviet emigration policy. Nevertheless. this joyous occasion brings renewed hope to those who remain behind the Iron Curtain. and encourages concerned people everywhere to join in the fight for human rights and freedom. I had the privilege of meeting many of these courageous men and women during my trip to the Soviet Union in January 1983. I met Shcharanskys mother. Ida Milgrom. his brother. Leonid. and other "refuseniks" denied permission to emigrate. I listened to their stories of personal struggle. heartless repression. and relentless harassment. Yet. like Shcharansky. they never give up hope.
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emigrate emigration immigration