March 10, 1999
Adar 22 5759
Jerusalem
Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI) figures show that
the trend of increased immigration to Israel from Russia continues:
In the first two months of 1999 the number of immigrants from Russia
increased by over 100% in comparison with the same period of last year
From Novosibirsk the increase was of 200%
The trend of increased immigration to Israel from Russia is continuing
based on recent figures of the Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI).
In February alone immigration from Russia increased by 107% as compared
with February 1998. In January and February of 1999 a total of 3,347
new immigrants arrived in Israel from Russia, an increase of over 100%
as compared with the same period in 1998 (1,676 new immigrants). This
increase is from all regions of the Russian Federation , and is
especially noticeable in figures from Siberia and the Russian Far East.
For example, the increase in immigration from Novosibirsk, where last
week a synagogue was vandalized, is approximately 200%.
From Moscow and its environs the increase of new immigrants is of 84%,
from Northern Russia 94%, and from Southern Russia the increase is of
135%, more new immigrants who arrived in Israel in the first two
months of this year as compared with the same period last year.
These numbers are for new immigrants who came to Israel on direct
flights organized by the Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI) and do not
include immigrants who arrived by boat or changed their status in
Israel from that of tourist to new immigrant.
From Jewish Agency for Israel statistics, and based on the number
of immigration visas issued and registration for flights in the coming
months it is expected that this trend of increased immigration to
Israel will continue and even rise by the end of the year.
The Jewish Agency for Israel is monitoring this trend of immigration
and is holding regular discussions to evaluate this situation in light
of these developments. Last year a number of immediate measures were
taken which included the dispatching of information teams to Russia,
adding personnel at flight stations, expanding of Hebrew Learning
Centers (Ulpanim) where the number of students has doubled, and
increasing the number of winter camps for youths among other steps.
These measures facilitated the effective processing of the recent
wave of requests for information about immigration over the last
months and have enabled this increase in immigration.
For more information contact:
Michael Jankelowitz
Liaison to Foreign Press and Media, JAFI
Tel: 972-2-6202780
Fax: 972-2-6202708
Mobile: 972-51-601-706
