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February 23, 2003
21 Adar I, 5763
Jerusalem

The Jewish Agency Executive Adopts Resolution Calling on Government of Israel to Solve Problem of Conversion for Former Soviet Union Immigrants

The Jewish Agency Executive, meeting today in Jerusalem passed the following resolution calling on the Government of Israel to deal immediately with solving the problem of the conversion of Former Soviet Union immigrants.

The Jewish Agency for Israel
The Executive

21 A Adar 5763, 23 February 2003

Resolution
 Solving the Problem of Conversion

Over the past decade, some one million new immigrants from the Former Soviet Union have made a new home in Israel. The number includes some 250,000 Olim that are not halachically Jews. These immigrants, eligible for Aliyah by the Law of Return, willingly chose to make Aliyah, and for the most part want to be a part of the Jewish people. This population lives an Israeli lifestyle, identifies itself as an integral part of the Jewish society in Israel and would be interested in the conversion process, a process that in the present time is confronted with difficulties.

This is an issue with both human and strategic dimensions. The future of Aliyah and the future of the State of Israel will be greatly influenced by this matter. It is essential to make a policy decision, to act with the Israeli authorities and to solve the problem for future generations.

Therefore, it is hereby resolved that:

  1. The Jewish Agency calls upon the State of Israel to deal immediately with the integration of these Olim, through solving the problem of conversion. In addition, the Jewish Agency resolves:

    1. To raise the issue for discussion at the Coordinating Committee between the Government and the Jewish Agency.

    2. To send a special delegation to the Prime Minister.

    3. To place this issue on the agenda of the Knesset.

  2. The Jewish Agency will establish an implementation committee, chaired by Prof. Yaacov Ne'eman, in order to examine and suggest possible ways for solving the problem. The committees will act immediately and report its actions to the Executive and the Board of Governors in its upcoming meeting.

For additional information contact
the Office of the Spokesman:
Yehuda Weinraub
Liaison to Foreign Press and Media
Jewish Agency for Israel
Mobile:972-53-927017
Fax: 972-2-6204013