Reliable sources said here today that there was no evidence of a Russian retreat from what appears to be a policy designed to halt the emigration of Jewish academics, despite the growing world outcry against the exit fees. “There is no sign thus far that Russia is back-pedaling,” one source said.
Israeli government sources also announced that the government had instructed its Embassies around the world to approach foreign governments on the issue. Israeli officials said, however, that they “take it as a good sign’ that Russia has still not seen fit to publish the decree aimed at making Jewish academics repay the Soviet Union for their education.
The Israeli policy regarding the matter appears to be one of holding firm against the Soviet demands for repayment in exchange for releasing the Jewish academics. When asked whether or not Israel would advocate such payments, one official said, “We do not think in terms of giving in.”
It is currently estimated that the payments would have come to $100 million if payments had been made for Russian academics who immigrated to Israel in the last twelve months.
A spokesman for a group of newly arrived Russian immigrants said in Israel last night, “We are the last academicians that have succeeded in leaving Russia.” Among the 160 Russians who arrived last night, 15 were academicians. They reported shock and anxiety has engulfed the Jewish academic ranks in view of the new regulations. Only those who got an exit permit prior to Aug. 3 may still leave without paying the “ransom money,” they said.
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