June 15, 1999
1 Tammuz 5759
Jerusalem

The incoming Chairman of the Jewish Agency for Israel, Sallai Meridor, at the plenary session of today's Zionist General Council said:

"The strategic cooperation between the State of Israel and the Jewish Agency for Israel must be strengthened"

"In the coming years the Jewish Agency will focus its activities based on the strategic plan which is being formulated in four main areas: Immigration, the Unity of the Jewish People, the role of Israel in promoting Jewish Identity, and strengthening the State of Israel as the State for all Jews."

This was said today by the incoming Chairman of the Jewish Agency, Sallai Meridor, while presenting the new plan before the members of the Zionist General Council in Jerusalem.

The JAFI Chairman further stated that "the acceptance of the strategic plan will place before the Jewish Agency a challenge which will bring about a substantial change in the public role and direction, which the Jewish Agency will take in the coming years. Similarly, the strategic cooperation and involvement between the State of Israel and the Jewish Agency must be strengthened. This mutual responsibility requires, on one hand a continuation of the support for the State of Israel, and on the other hand the protection of World Jewry and Jewish Identity."

In the discussion on the Future Directions which the Jewish Agency will take, the various speakers, representatives from Jewish communities from all over the world stressed the importance of the continued support for student and youth movements in the Jewish communities throughout the world especially during this period, when serious discussion concerning Jewish Identity is taking place. Furthermore, the various speakers noted the important communal and educational work which the Jewish Agency is carrying out in the Diaspora communities.

Zionist General Council concludes on Wednesday June 16th at the Hyatt Hotel in Jerusalem. Program includes:

• 09:00-11:30 Adoption of resolutions, Mt. Scopus Hall, Hyatt Hotel, Jerusalem.
• 15:30 Address by MK Shimon Peres, Mt. Scopus Hall, Hyatt Hotel, Jerusalem.

For press credentials please contact the ZGC Press Room at the Hyatt Hotel, Room 440
Tel: 972-2-5818798/531 Fax: 972-2-5818798.

For further information contact:

Michael Jankelowitz
Liaison to Foreign Press and Media, JAFI
Tel: 972-2-6202780
Fax: 972-2-6202708
Mobile: 972-51-601706