Impetus to Soviet Aliyah to Israel

I don't care what all the big pundits say, but I'll never forget what the many olim (immigrants to Israel) from the USSR told me.

The Chernobyl Nuclear Accident was a great impetus to make them leave the comfort of the familiarity of their homes. They worried about the health of their children, and that's why they packed up the little they were permitted to bring. The people who treasured their books were forced to desert their libraries.

I met people who had trusted family heirlooms to visiting Israelis to smuggle here. I witnessed the return of precious jewelry. The family preferred taking that chance rather than giving their ancestors' rings to the corrupt Soviet officials.

The material shortages which so shocked us in the free world didn't bother them. Soviet Jews found ways to get the food they considered important. And they enjoyed the affordable cultural events the regime provided.

But once the Soviet public realized that their children's health was in danger, they wanted out, and they came in numbers which amazed everyone.

Twenty-one years later, families are still sending their children to a healthier future in Israel with Chabad, even if they can't be with them.