The Lautenberg amendment, named for the U.S. senator from New Jersey who introduced the measure, has kept open a critical path to the safe haven of America for certain foreigners persecuted because of their religion.
The announcement of Hugo Chavez's death sent many in Caracas into panic mode, fearing that the death of this larger-than-life figure — alternately loved or reviled by millions in his country — might lead to chaos in the streets.
For more than a decade, Venezuelan Jews have been subject to the whims of a mercurial president who used his bully pulpit to intimidate, rail against Israel and embrace Iran.
Sivan 16, 5773
