The Soviet Jews. Fact Sheet Series #3.

The uneven but continuing emigration of Soviet Jews since 1972 has been brought about by government policies that are all but openly anti-Semitic. More than 80,000 of these refugees have settled in the United States, many in New York City. They come from a population that is highly urbanized and well educated. Most speak Russian but identify themselves as Jews, even though only a minority maintain active contact with their religion. Their history in the Soviet Union is long and complex, with recurring repression and, for much of their history, restriction within a "Pale of Settlement." Many of them have some knowledge of a second language that will be useful to anyone who tries to teach them English. The English instructor further benefits from an awareness of certain characteristics of Russian, such as the many differences in consonant sounds from English. (JB)