Jewish Federations all over North America are joining a year-long celebration of the 20th anniversary of Operation Exodus, a proud and historic moment that demonstrated the power of the Federation movement to change the world. 

From 1990 to 1997, the Operation Exodus campaign successfully raised $1 billion to rescue and resettle more than one million Soviet Jews in Israel and North America.

The path to freedom for Soviet Jewry is a remarkable story of the power of the individual and the power of our collective Federation movement. Some 40 years ago, a handful of underground Jewish activists in the Soviet Union said “no more.” No more silence. No more compliance with oppressors who forbid us from practicing our religion freely.

At extraordinary personal risk and sacrifice, each of these “refuseniks” became a spark that would ignite a global movement to free Soviet Jewry. For decades, “let my people go” became the clarion cry of the global Jewish community worldwide, with the Jewish Federations of North America at the forefront.

From a $1 million-a-plate breakfast that raised $58 million in an hour to telethons in communities across the continent, the Jewish Federations met the challenges of this watershed moment in Jewish history -- and helped mark a new chapter for human rights. 

“Operation Exodus was a monumental initiative that made an enormous impact on the global Jewish community and, indeed, the world," said Jerry Silverman, President and CEO of The Jewish Federations of North America. “Twenty years later, we reflect on this historical juggernaut and realize that the need for our collective action is just as vital now. There are still so many people who need our help. Looking back on Operation Exodus reminds us of the power of our collective movement and propels us to do more today.”

Under the leadership of Chair Joel Tauber and a high-level commemorative committee, the Jewish Federations of North America are highlighting this historic anniversary in many ways. From missions to commemorative programs at the 2010 General Assembly, Operation Exodus will play an important role year-round.

The upcoming Campaign Chairs and Directors Mission in early July will include a celebration of the 20th anniversary of Operation Exodus, with prominent refusenik (and now Jewish Agency Chairman) Natan Sharansky and a group of olim from the former Soviet Union. For details, please contact Susan Solow-Dubin.

A King David Society mission to St. Petersburg (for $25,000+ donors), led by UJA-Federation of New York and open to all communities, will take place July 11-16, with an optional weekend extension in Moscow. Natan Sharansky will join the group for part of the trip. Jerry Levin, Alisa Doctoroff and John Ruskay of New York are chairing this mission. For details, please contact Gail Reiss or Tikva Mahlab.

A Prime Minister’s Council mission to St. Petersburg and Israel (for $100,000+ donors), chaired by Renee and Lester Crown and Joel Tauber, will take place October 3-11. Scheduled highlights include meetings with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and discussions with leading Jewish philanthropists in Russia and Israel. For details, please contact Arlene Berland.

A third community mission is planned for Spring 2011. This mission, to Moscow and Israel, will focus on issues and opportunities our community faces today. For more information, please contact Tikva Mahlab.

Please visit JFNA's Operation Exodus website, which includes a timeline, historic photos, educational resources and remembrances from those involved in Operation Exodus.