The past is full of lofty promises on the part of the Syrian Government. which have not been followed satisfactorily. Most notable were promises made several years ago to the U.S. State Department to ease emigration policies for divided Jewish families and for unmarried Jewish women. who were unable to find husbands among that countrys tiny Jewish population. In theory. those promises gave reason to hope for a relaxation In the harsh control and domination of Jews by the Government. In reality. nothing of the sort has been accomplished as longrange hopes for democratic reform have instead been manipulated into shortterm advantage on the part of the Syrian Government. After permitting 32 unmarried women to emigrate in 1988. the numbers dwindled to 24 in 1989 and 14 in 1990 down to zero in 1091. Additionally. in 1989 only two divided families benefited from the socalled reunification plans. We must also look at the motivation of the Syrian Government for making such a drastic reversal of policy.
Keywords matched
emigrate emigration