March 16 1999
Adar 28 5759
Jerusalem

Jewish Agency for Israel brings new immigrants from Argentina who will settle in the town of Kiryat Bialik near Haifa, as part of JAFI project “Aliyah 2000”.

Another success story within the framework of the “Aliyah 2000” project of the Jewish Agency for Israel Aliyah Department – Northern region. A group of 10 families (50 people), immigrated to Israel from Argentina on Monday, March 15th, and will settle in Kiryat Bialik through the direct absorption process. This is the second group that has immigrated to Kiryat Bialik from Argentina within the framework of a joint project of the Jewish Agency for Israel, the Kiryat Bialik Municipality, and the Conservative Movement in the “Krayot” towns near Haifa.

As part of this special program, a delegation went from Israel to Argentina to encourage families among potential immigrants to come to Israel and settle in the region of the “Krayot” near Haifa. The delegation met with the potential immigrant families and presented them with information on Kiryat Bialik and its surroundings, as well as the various employment, education, and cultural opportunities in the region.

The delegation comprised of the Town Clerk, Shlomo Ovadia; the Rabbi of the Conservative Congregation in Kiryat Bialik, Rabbi Mauricio Balter (who himself is an immigrant from Argentina), and representatives from the Immigration Department of the Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI).

As a result of this short visit approximately 30 families in total are due to immigrate to Israel and on Monday, March 15th, the first 10 families arrived by plane from Argentina. In the beginning of their absorption process the families will live in the Jewish Agency’s Absorption Center in Kiryat Yam, where they will learn Hebrew at the Center’s Ulpan (Hebrew Learning Center). After this the families will be absorbed within the direct absorption process in Kiryat Bialik.

Last year the town of Kiryat Bialik successfully absorbed 36 families (approximately 200 people) as part of this joint project. Subsequently The Jewish Agency for Israel is considering expanding this project to other towns in the North of Israel, notably Carmiel and Upper Nazareth.

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