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Article: Soviet Jews Pose New Conflict for Israel
- Article from:
- The Washington Post
- Article date:
- February 19, 1989
- Author:
CopyrightThis material is published under license from the Washington Post. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Washington Post. (Hide copyright information)
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It was supposed to be a dream come true. But for Israeli
leaders, the dramatic increase in the number of Jews allowed to leave
the Soviet Union has become something of a nightmare, triggering a
new conflict with American Jewry over where the new arrivals will go
and who will pay for their settlement.
Ultimately, it is part of a deeper conflict over Israel's
obligations and role in the Jewish world. Should Israel demand the
settlement here of those it helps to rescue, or does it have a
responsibility similarly to aid those who choose assimilationist,
cosmopolitan centers like Los Angeles or New York over the more
Spartan existence in this troubled homeland?
Most of the newcomers leave the ...