March 30, 2003
26 Adar II, 5763
Jerusalem

Immigration to Israel Continues Despite the War: Hundreds Arrive

The Jewish Agency brought over 300 immigrants to Israel since the beginning of the war with Iraq.

At the end of the week the largest immigrant flight arrived since the outbreak of hostilities. 50 immigrants from Argentina landed at Ben-Gurion airport on an El Al flight. On hand to greet them was Arieh Azoulay, Co-chair of the Jewish Agency's Aliyah and Klitah Committee (see picture). 234 new immigrants are scheduled to arrive this coming week.

Jewish Agency Chairman Sallai Meridor vowed, “The Jewish Agency will not cancel, by its own initiative, any immigrant flight to Israel. Despite the offensive against Iraq, the Jewish Agency will continue to bring immigrants to Israel as long as it is possible to do so!” Agency emissaries abroad worked round the clock to reschedule flights on foreign airlines that had been canceled.

In the pictures Arieh Azoulay, Co-chair of the Jewish Agency's Aliyah and Klitah Committee greets new immigrants from Argentina, upon their arrival at Ben-Gurion airport.

(Photo credit: Eyal Fischer)

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