With political unrest and economic uncertainty leading to new fears for
their future, the Jews of the former Soviet Union and Eastern Europe
seek a haven. Once, there would have been nowhere to turn. Today,
a small nation -- Israel -- stands ready to add another half million to
the huge number of immigrants it has taken in over the past five years,
an increase of 10 percent in its population.

No other country in the world -- no other people in the world -- has
extended its resources to such limits to accept so many refugees.

Among them are scientists, artisans, musicians, athletes, teachers,
doctors, engineers, entrepreneurs -- immigrants who are already
energizing and helping shape a new Israel on the threshold of peace.

Here in Detroit, we recalled the hardship of starting anew in a strange
country and vowed to ease the way for a newer generation of immigrants.

Led by Resettlement Service with funding from Operation Exodus,
Federation agencies enabled more than 2,500 new Americans to
become part of the Detroit community. From their arrival through
the first pangs of adjustment, the newcomers were helped with food
and shelter, health screening, English classes, job placement and
synagogue family programs that, for some, were an introduction to the
joys of Jewish life. In return, they have brought a new excitement and
character to our Jewish community.

Wherever they go -- Israel or Detroit -- this remarkable exodus is
writing a chapter of modern Jewish history that has no equal.

One day, the entire dramatic story will be told: The efforts of Israel
aliyah representatives in Jewish communities throughout the former
Soviet Union and Ethiopia. The airlifts to Israel. The massive under-
takings to house and train and locate jobs for the newcomers. The
labor of love that is enabling them and their children to become a
contributing part of a free society and the Jewish People.

Through the worldwide Operation Exodus campaign mounted by the
United Jewish Appeal, our Jewish community of Detroit has helped
make it all happen. Our financial support, more than $29 million
raised between 1990 and 1994, enabled the Jewish Agency and the
American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee -- and Federation's
local agencies here in Detroit -- to fulfill their life-saving and life-
sustaining work according to the ethical mandate of our faith:

Whoever saves one life saves the entire world.

This Scroll of Honor chronicles the Detroit Jewish community's gener-
ous response to an historic event. Together with the men and women
who put their futures on the line to find a way to freedom and a Jewish
tomorrow for their children, our heroes of Operation Exodus are listed
on the following pages.

