THE JEWISH WORLD   THIS WEEK IN ISRAEL A political turn-around among immigrants from the FSU - According to a survey published this week by the Mutagim Institute, the immigrant oriented political parties in Israel have, for the first time, lost their preeminence among voters from the FSU. The leading political party among Russian olim is now the Likud, with the support of 30% of this population segment-which translates into 8-10 Knesset seats-followed by Yisrael B'Aliyah and Yisrael Beitenu with 14-15% support each, or 4-5 Knesset seats each. The Likud has continually gained support over the past six months-a significant departure from the situation of two years ago when the two immigrant parties garnered 40% support as compared to the Likud's 18%. Meanwhile, Russian immigrant support for the Labor party dropped to a mere 4%-a reduction of roughly two-thirds from its peak of support for Ehud Barak in 1999. In the personal popularity arena, Ariel Sharon currently enjoys greater support than Binyamin Netanyahu had in his prime, with two-thirds of all Russian immigrants supporting him and his policies; he is followed by Avigdor Lieberman, with Binyamin Netanyahu running third and Natan Sharansky fourth with 18% support. The only figure from the Left to make the list was Shimon Peres, with only 4% support. "There is no leader on the Left at present who can garner any support on the Russian street" said Dr. Michael Feldman, who conducted the survey for Mutagim. For the first time in Israel's history, a municipal authority has decided to allow restaurants to remain open on Tisha B'av. - The Tel Aviv City Council decided to allow the opening of restaurants, coffee houses and kiosks on the national day of mourning and fasting, instructing city inspectors to refrain from fining business owners who chose to remain open. The municipality claimed that the municipal bylaw passed long ago instructs "recreational establishments" which the municipality now interprets as cinemas, theaters, pubs and discos to close on Tisha B'Av. The city council decision was led by Deputy Mayor Michael Ro'eh, of the Meretz party, and was welcomed by Mayor Ron Huldai. The decision raised the ire of the religious establishment and many non-religious factions, and could possibly lead to a coalition crisis within city council. Jews and Gentiles from various parts of the globe donate their wealth to Israel. The State Custodian's office reported this week, that a childless Gentile couple from Norway left its entire estate to the State of Israel, including a luxurious summer house overlooking a scenic fjord worth $4 million. A gentile woman from a village somewhere in the mountains of Bolivia donated thousands of dollars to Israel, while a Jewish Bolivian provided in his will for the IDF to receive six fully-equipped ambulances. Similarly, Jews in Australia and Italy have also endowed all their worldly possessions to the State of Israel. And in yet another gesture of goodwill to Israel, 43 nursing students from Holland have chosen to do their residencies in Israel, even though they could have chosen any other country in Europe. The six-week long residency will begin soon at the Mizra Hospital. Historic date for the IDF: Women's Corps eliminated. It will be replaced with a new Commanding Unit mandated to advance equal opportunities and develop the female recourse at the IDF. Brigadier General Suzie Yogev who was the Chief Commander of the Women's Corps and is now appointed counselor to the Chief of Staff Lt. General on women's issues, explained that the elimination of the women's corps indicates conceptual. Having a separate Corps for women creates barriers and is unnecessary. First incidence of West Nile Fever reported this summer - A 50 year-old man from the Sharon region was diagnosed with the West Nile Fever and admitted for treatment to the Hillel Yaffe Hospital in Hadera. The man was suffering from symptoms of fever, vomiting and diarrhea. A blood test confirmed the cause as the West Nile Fever virus. There were 452 cases of West Nile Fever reported in the outbreak of the virus last summer, of which 29 died. The disease can lead to serious complications, including meningitis. Economic tidbits: Bank Hapoalim is set to acquire an investment bank in the U.S. for $50 million. Contacts to close the deal are at an advanced stage. The decision was taken as part of the bank's strategy to broaden its activities abroad in order to expand its potential for growth. The rate of the economic slow-down in Israel diminished in the months of May and June. The Central Bureau of Statistics reported that the downtrend in economic indicators (such as industrial production and export rates) has significantly decreased during these months. Industrial production was only 1% off from the mark in April and May of last year, as compared to a 3%-5% drop during the preceding six months. Total exports were off by only 9% compared to last year; significantly less than the 15% drop reported in the five previous months. Commercial turnover in May rose by 1% as compared to a drop of 1% in April and drops of between 3%-5% in the prior months. Retail turnover showed a 4% a month increase from March through May, after a meager rise of just 8% in January and February. Sharp increase noted in the number of foreign investors seeking to strike partnerships with High-tec and R&D companies in Israel. A 30% increase was recorded in the first half of 2001, despite the crisis in Israel's high-tech sector. An average of 115 inquiries per month was recorded during the year 2000, while in 2001 that figure rose to over 150 per month. The most sought-after fields in Israeli high-tech R&D were communications, institutional and personal security, and industrial technology (such as medical equipment and robotics). The majority of inquiries came from firms in the U.S. and Europe, followed by India and Japan.

Grave disaster was averted in the Bet She'an area Amazing Zionist Education Fatah-"Military Option" Facts & Figures Jewish Young Leaders On US Campuses Summer Camp in Cherkassy "Bow & Arrow" Gadna & Sports "Olympiyeda" Jewish Science Competition Scholarships for Students In Northern Israel This Week in Israel "British Style" Bar/Bat Mitzvah for Ethiopians