The Gates of Our Exodus

The plight of Soviet Jews from the 1930s to late the 20th century is a story not well known in the West. We feel privileged to write the English translation of excerpts from Felix Kandel's The Gates of Our Exodus. As Clevelanders we are proud of the role played by Cleveland Jews in the 1970s to obtain the release of Soviet Jews wishing to immigrate to the United States. Moreover, one of us (E.L.) was born in Russia and lived through this difficult time of Soviet Jewish oppression.The persecution of Jews always existed in Russia, but in the time of Stalin discrimination and oppression of Jews became an everyday government policy supported with enthusiasm by the Russian populace. Elena's experiences, along with those of our author Felix Kandel, reflect the frustrations of millions of Soviet Jews in their struggle to leave the Soviet Union. This goal was finally achieved but was not easily accomplished. Often many years of waiting had to occur before this dream could become a reality.