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Syria's Shift On Jews
Stirs Cautious Optimism
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IRA RIFKIN and
JAMES D. BESSER
S
noted Laurence
M. Katz, "does not
have a history of ac-
ting out of kindness. Some-
thing's going on here that is
not yet fully clear.
"Personally, I think it has
something to do with the
peace process and Syria's
desire to make friends in
Washington."
The reaction this week to
reports that Syria has decid-
ed to lift a travel ban that
has kept that nation's 4,500
Jewish citizens as virtual
hostages was mixed — and
decidedly cautious. The
comments by Mr. Katz, a co-
chair of the National Jewish
Community Relation's Ad-
visory Council's committee
on Jews in distressed
nations, were typical.
For the most part, Jewish
officials took a wait-and-see
attitude, despite the initial
euphoria set off by a New
York Times report Tuesday
that trumpeted the move as
a clear sign that Damascus
will now allow Jews to freely
emigrate.
"The community is
cautiously optimistic about
these changes," said Gilbert
Kahn, executive director of
the Council for the Rescue of
Syrian Jews.
"We are awaiting the ar-
rival of people who have
been processed by the new
system. That will be the best
indication of the genuine lif-
ting of restrictions. But it is
important to appreciate the
fact that there could be a lag
in implementation. At this
point, it's just not clear."
"While seeing is believing,
these reports are the most
positive developments so far
in the struggle to free Syrian
Jews," added Rep. Charles
Schumer, D-N.Y,, a leading
congressional supporter of
the movement on behalf of
Syrian Jews.
"When we are really sure
the Jews of Syria are freed,
we should thank Jews
around the world who have
worked for this day."
The primary point of con-
. fusion was over whether the
change-of-heart by Syrian
strongman Hafez Assad truly
means that Jews will be
allowed to emigrate, a stated
U.S. and Israeli goal, or
merely visit other nations.
At present, Syrian law
precludes any of its citizens
from emigrating.
yria,
The comments of Syrian
and Washington officials
appear to limit the lifting of
the travel ban to foreign
visits only.
The official State Depart-
ment announcement re-
ferred only to freedom of
travel, not freedom of
emigration. The department
interpreted the Syrian deci-
sion to mean that Jews will
have the same freedom of
travel and the right to sell
their property that other
Syrian citizens have. Travel
to Israel will continue to be
prohibited.
The new Syrian policy, ac-
Damascus' move
was viewed as a
gesture toward
Washington — not
Jerusalem. It's
effect remains to
be seen.
cording to the official U.S.
interpretation, also means
that Jews can travel abroad
in family units. Previously,
the few Syrians allowed to
travel abroad were forced to
leave family members
behind as virtual hostages,
and had to post heavy bonds
as a further guarantee of
their return.
Tuesday, Syrian Foreign
Minister Farouk Charaa
was quoted in Damascus as
saying "the matter deals
with the freedom of travel
for Syrian citizens and not
emigration. Since the cor-
rectionist movement led by
President Hafez Assad,
travel became possible . . . to
all citizens with no excep-
tions."
However, one well-placed
official, speaking on condi-
tion of anonymity, said,
"basically we're talking
about emigration, not just
free travel."
He predicted that within
several weeks Syrian Jews
will begin to emigrate to the
U.S. and other nations
where Syrian Jewish com-
munities already exist.
Some 40,000 Syrian Jews
have a well-established com-
munity in Brooklyn, N.Y.
But even this official, who
has closely monitored the
delicate situation, advised
caution.
"No one has practical in-
formation at the moment.