OPINION CONTENTS American Undercurrent In Soviet Emigration BERL FALBAUM T here is an unpleasant and disconcerting un- dercurrent in the ef- forts of American Jews to help Soviet Jewry in the immigra- tion process. Sometimes implied, some- times stated diplomatically and at times stated with a sense of belligerance, the message from some American Jews is that those seeking their freedom from Russia have an obligation to im- migrate to Israel. Whenever the subject comes up, some Jews imply that Some Jews imply the emigres are violating a moral principle if they choose the United States. Soviet Jews who win their freedom, many of whom are awaiting decisive action in foreign refugee centers, are somehow "violating" a moral principle if they choose the United States as their intend- ed destination. One Jewish official at a re- cent meeting called the "change of heart" — the deci- sion to immigrate to the U.S. instead of Israel — as "subter- fuge." Why Soviet Jews should be bound by an "Israel or bust" objective is not entirely clear. Certainly, one can hope that they choose Israel, just as one would hope that more Americans would opt for aliyah. As David Ben-Gurion observed many years ago, Israel needs a growing population to assure it long- term stability and security. Population has become even more vital given Arab growth rates couples with a decrease in aliyah and an increase in emigration from Israel. But the implied require- ment for Soviet Jews to relocate in Israel is no greater than that of Americans. The argument might have some merit if it came from Americans who are making aliyah. But that is not the case. The insistence comes from Americans who have no intention of moving to Israel. Berl Falbaum is a public relations executive and an officer of the Jewish Community Council of Metropolitan Detroit. That suggests not only a double-standard but a degree of hypocrisy. Indeed, it is American Jews who have "abandoned" Israel since the intifada by not even traveling to Israel. Tourism to Israel from other countries is reported high — including from non-Jews — but the big- gest drop off in tourism has been from the United States. Apparently, the issue is one of safety. Yet, these same Americans who cannot bring themselves to travel to Israel, fearing the risks they perceive, would hold Soviet Jews to an obligation of mak- ing their home in Israel. Soviet Jews are not bound by any moral, legal, philosophical, religious or political reason to choose Israel as their home. Israel should do all it can to promote such immigration and make absorption as easy as possible. It needs to educate Soviet Jews on Israel and, with the help of the American Jewish community, rebut anti-Israel propaganda. Israel needs more Jews, no question about that. But the country has not helped itself given the bureaucratic red tape and inefficiencies which have frustrated not only Soviet Jews but other im- migrants as well. The obligation in the im- migration issue lies not with Soviet Jews but with American Jews. That obliga- tion is to continue to work tirelessly to assure freedom for all those Jews who want to leave Russia. But there can be no quid pro quo demand on Soviet Jews. Such pressure leads to the very distasteful implication that if Soviet Jews do not make the choice to move to Israel, they will not receive assistance to escape their oppression. And that is morally indefensible. Some Americans have made what they consider an important distinction, a distinction which holds that they will help Soviet Jews achieve their freedom but not with relocation unless it is to Israel. These Americans believe that the obligation ends there if Soviet Jews decide on a home other than Israel. That argument has some merit assuming these refugees have the financial and other resources to permit choices. If they do not, then the argument collapses. Throughout the years, Continued on Page 10 CLOSE-UP Money For College 22 ARLENE EHRLICH There is no magic pot at the end of high school. LIFE IN ISRAEL 37 Home Stretch DAVID HOLZEL Detroit's Otzma volunteers had an amazing year in Israel. FITNESS 22 51 Mr. Platza! STEVEN M. HARTZ Hugh Sanders has become the platza man of Southfield. BUSINESS 55 Cutting Edge KIMBERLY LIFTON The Epilady has helped revive Mepro Kibbutz Hagoshrim. ENTERTAINMENT 65 Make-Up! 37 JOANNE ZUROFF Jeffrey Bruce has progressed from Detroit to the stars. SINGLE LIFE Living In Memory 89 MARLENE ADLER MARKS Relationships, yahrzeits and waiting for the jacaranda. DEPARTMENTS 28 41 42 48 52 75 Inside Washington Community Synagogues Education Sports Fine Arts 92 94 100 102 103 130 Teens Engagements Births B'nai Mitzvah Classified Ads Obituaries CANDLELIGHTING 65 June 9, 1989 8:50 p.m. Sabbath ends June 10 9:57 p.m. THE DETROIT JEWISH NEWS 7