Jehuda and his family have struggled through hunger, poverty and war in their Russian homeland. Now, at last, the family is heading to begin a new life of freedom in America. But the family's relief is short-lived. In Russia, Jehuda's arm had been injured by a stray bullet, and the health inspectors at Ellis Island are very strict about allowing invalids into the country. Jehuda must convince them that he is well enough to stay, or the whole family will be sent back Russia.