World Jewish News

Israel received over 35 000 repatriates last year.

At a press conference in Jerusalem, the Head of the Jewish agency Salai Meridor has announced that approximate 35 000 people repatriated to Israel in 2002. The aliah from North America increased by 25%; the number of repatriated from France doubled; the aliah from Argentina increased almost four times.
Speaking of the giur, Salai Meridor has pointed out that the high level of Jewish self-consciousness is typical of the repatriates from the former USSR. More than 7 000 people attended classes in the Institute of Judaism Studies founded at the suggestion of the Jewish agency. However, only 500 out of all the Institute's graduates successfully passed the Rabbinate exams, with the rest of the students being rejected for different reasons. Salai Meridor has sharply criticized the position of the rabbinate on the matter, and has called up to find a human solution for those wishing to complete the giur.
The topic of preparing for a possible war in Iraq has also been touched upon at the press conference. The General Director of the Jewish agency has pointed out that 35 absorption centers are ready for possible attacks. Ten thousand new repatriates living in the absorption centers have been given all the necessary protection means and have been taught to use them. A special information service has been set up in case if the war starts.

Источник: Sem40.ru