Dear Rabbi Lamm, Several months ago you wrote to Rabbi Klaperman regarding the son of Rabbi Schapiro, who was denied permission to leave from Belgorod. I was wondering whether you had any further word on this case, specifically, whether he has been allowed to emigrate as yet. We will continue our efforts in his behalf until word of his departure is received. However, it often takes weeks until we find out of the arrival in Israel of those on our lists. Thank you for your help. Sincerely, Malcolm Hoenlein Executive Director

Dear Rabbi Lamm: In reviewing recent documents from the Soviet Union, I came across the description of a case which I thought might be of interest to you. Leonid Lamm, a resident of Moscow, submitted his documents for an exit visa on December 18th, 1973. Shortly thereafter, he was arrested and informed that some years ago he had committed an act of “hooliganism” (as I am sure you know, the Soviets have changed their tactics and now use social charges such as hooliganism, parasitism, and alcoholism). An investigation had been underway at the time of this alleged crime, but was postponed for an unknown reason. Lamm was told that the investigation was now reopened. Mr. Lamm's address is: USSR RSFSR Moscow Ul. Kibalechicha 2/4/5 Leonid Lamm. Perhaps you and members of your synagogue could "adopt" Mr. Lamm and undertake efforts on his behalf. I would be glad to discuss this further with you if you wish. Sincerely, Malcolm Hoenlein Executive Director

Dear Mr. Soskis: I’m glad we were able to meet, exchange ideas and find out more deeply about NYANA’s work. Based on yesterday’s discussion and our growing work with the increasing number of community-based groups helping Russian Jewish immigrants, I’d like to put down in writing what we perceive to be some of the needs of Russian Jews in New York. A. English. Although it is true that a good number of Russian Jews would rather find a job than learn English when they arrive, NYANA should explain to them that proficiency in English leads to better jobs and that such an opportunity to learn English without having to work at the same time will probably not exist again for them. Private language instruction, cheaper than the public school type, seems much superior (smaller classes, more keyed to need to know technical language) should be made available to all who ask, even to those who have first tried a public school course and found it wanting. (Here you can involve volunteers who are needed to help immigrants practice English once a basic knowledge of the language is acquired. Volunteers don’t know the language well?, both by personal meetings and by three or four in a single phone call. The latter would give an enormous opportunity for a shut-in, older person or one too far away from the Russian family centers such as Brighton Beach, Forest Hills, etc.) B. Jobs. The vocational department of NYANA should be reorganized, with an emphasis on enlisting, publicly, the aid of the Jewish community to help meet the employment needs of Russian Jews. (As a result of the other needs for training, NYANA cannot simply put them in jobs like stock room or factory jobs; professionals, musicians and many, many others cannot find employment unless NYANA Employers can “put in” and help NYANA become a real vocational agency. What is needed is a public announcement through the Federation Employment Service and Jewish Family Service that professional jobs for Russian Jews exist.) C. Hous…