March 23, 2003
19 Adar II, 5763
Jerusalem

Jewish Agency Executive in Emergency Session Asks Government of Israel Not to Enact Economic Measures  That Will Harm New Immigrants

The Jewish Agency Executive, chaired by Sallai Meridor held an emergency session this evening with the participation of Immigration and Absorption Minister Tzipi Livni.

The meeting was held in response to the Treasury's intentions to submit for Cabinet approval measures what would severely harm Aliyah and new immigrants who are already in Israel.

The heads of Jewish communities throughout the world who participated in this emergency meeting expressed their deep concern over the expected measures and their far-reaching consequences. The leaders expressed their fear that the intended measures-the closing of the Olim Student Administration and the cancellation grants to young families for the purchase of apartments-would put a halt to immigration of young adults to Israel and would severely harm new immigrants who are already in Israel.

The following is the text of the resolution adopted by the Executive:

The Jewish Agency Executive expresses its fear that should the abovementioned proposals be adopted, the result would be a severe blow to olim and to Aliyah. The blow would be particularly severe to the young immigrants, the majority of whom come to Israel without their parents; to young families; and to immigrants from countries of distress.

The Jewish Agency Executive calls upon the Government of Israel to refrain from accepting these decisions which would be harmful to Aliyah.

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