New Emigrants Cite Stepped Up Anti-semitism in Odessa

A large group of Soviet Jews landed at Lydda Airport early this morning. They included several more families from the Georgian Republic who signed the famous letter appealing to Premier Golda Meir for emigration aid. They said that only two of the 18 families that signed the letter remain in Russia and their prospects for leaving are doubtful. One of this morning’s arrivals was Rafael Shvilli, son of Shabtai Shvilli who arrived here last week. He said he had waited two years for his exit permit. One of four families arriving from Walga, Estonia, said they had waited 15 years. They reported that all 16 Jewish families in that town have applied for exit visas. Emigrants from Odessa reported growing anti-Semitism in that Black Sea city. Emigrants from Riga reported that three Jews facing trial in Leningrad have been transferred to Riga to testify against four Jews expected to go on trial there on April 15.

Meanwhile, it was learned here today that Soviet authorities may soon force emigrating Jews to pay for the education they received at institutions of higher learning. Reliable sources in Vilna, contacted by telephone, told the newspaper Yediot Achronot that prospective emigrants may soon have to pay $1,100 for each academic year. Jews holding degrees which require at least four years at a university or polytechnic institute, would, according to these sources, have to pay at least $4,400 compared to $990 now required for an exit permit. Apparently, Soviet authorities feel that Jews who wish to emigrate are not entitled to free education at the expense of the Soviet Union which can be utilized elsewhere. At the same time, sources in Minsk said that Jewish applicants were told recently that they would receive exit permits “within a few days” after which they would have to leave Russia within three days.