Two plane loads of Soviet Jewish immigrants arrived in Israel last night via Vienna, and more are expected within the next several days. Through telephone conversations with Soviet Jews, It has been reported that many Jews are being called to ovir offices and are being given exit permits. One Soviet Jew reported that it is difficult to tell, as yet, the effect of President Nixon’s visit. “We do hope Nixon raised the problem of Russian Jews in his Kremlin talks, but we know nothing for sure,” he said.
According to the same sources, none of the Jews arrested prior to and during the Nixon visit have yet been released. There are rumors that another Jew was detained in Leningrad, but nothing could be confirmed since telephone lines between Moscow and other Soviet cities were reported “busy.” Moscow Jews have been unable to keep up to date on the Jewish situation because of this telephone problem.
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