Soviet Jewry: Perspectives on the "Dropout" Issue

Publication Date: September 1978

Publisher: Jewish Communal Service Association of North America

Author(s): Gaynor I. Jacobson

Research Area: Culture and religion; Population and demographics

Keywords: Demography; Immigration; International Relations

Type: Report

Abstract:

The author examines the issue of noshrim, "break-offs." These are Soviet Jews who are granted exit visas from the USSR on condition that they go to Israel, but who choose to switch destinations when they reach free Vienna, and immigrate to Western countries such as the USA instead. The author reviews what problems this phenomenon can cause, but also argues that Israel and American Jewish communal agencies should not stifle Soviet Jews' newfound freedom to choose their own destinies.

In Journal of Jewish Communal Service, v.55 no.1, Fall 1978.