We are even more confident that the cessation of the war in Iraq combined with the optimism emanating from the summits recently held in Egypt and Jordan, will dispel the fear and trepidation that have caused olim and tourists from delaying their arrival to Israel. The Israeli stock market, the most reactionary of measures, has immediately responded with aliyot (rises), and now we can only hope that the long-term and most important kind of aliyot – aliyah – will follow suit.

For the months leading up to and during the time of the war itself, it was clear that there was not too much our shlichim abroad could, or perhaps should do, to persuade those people who had made the decision to make aliyah not to delay their departure.

However, as was relayed to you in our bi-weekly up-date (which you all should be receiving by e-mail), we increased our Israel-oriented activity across the globe by holding major Aliyah and Student Fairs, Memorial Day ceremonies, Independence Day celebrations, and more. Literally thousands of people in cities from Paris to Capetown and Moscow to Buenos Aires came to learn about our new and creative study, work and housing options.

Indeed, we have continued our efforts to provide a multi-faceted absorption safety net to olim, designed to provide tangible solutions to the very real challenges of employment, housing and education.

Community coordinators and employment coordinators are working with the olim at the local level, and with the help of those families who have already joined our "Family-to-Family" national campaign (veteran Israelis mentoring new olim), we aim to provide a comprehensive and responsive support system. Experience has shown that success stories are shared with family and friends which is a decisive factor to continued aliyah.

We are pleased to inform you that the Aliyah and Klitah Taskforce will be convening within the framework of the BOG meetings. Supported by the brainstorming sessions of our sub-committees, this constitutes the first major step toward developing a long-term immigration and absorption strategy.

We wish our Taskforce Chairman Didi Arzi, and all of the Taskforce members, much success. We will also be up-dating you on the current status of the impact of the State of Israel's austerity package, as well as the unprecedented Jewish Agency-led court case against the government's change in policy regarding the granting of mortgages to olim.

Lastly, as members of the Immigration and Absorption Committee, we urge all of you to voice your support in your communities on behalf of the importance of aliyah to Israel and the provision of meaningful klitah services.

Sincerely,
Arieh Azoulay   Carole Solomon
Co-Chair             Designated Co-Chair

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Dear Friends,

As always, I am very happy to welcome you to the Board of Governors meetings. I always view the June meetings as an opportunity to not only provide you with a mid-year report, but to take a moment to step back and assess the situation.

The current year has, for the most part, been highly disappointing in regard to aliyah figures, and unfortunately the very factors which had the greatest impact on aliyah trends, such as the war in Iraq and the continued economic recession in Israel, are not within our realm of influence. Yet, despite these obstacles, since the start of the year, aliyah has increased 20 percent from France (in addition to the 100 percent increase it experienced in 2002), and the 20 percent increase in North American aliyah experienced in 2002 has remained steady. Moreover, participation in Israel and aliyah-oriented activities in the FSU remains strong, reflecting the potential for continued aliyah.

With the Iraqi war now behind us and glimmers of peace on the horizon, we are doing our utmost to facilitate the aliyah of those people who, till now, had delayed their aliyah (mostly from the FSU and Latin America). This is a very important juncture, the future of which remains uncertain.

Where we could and have made a major impact is on enhanced klitah services here in Israel. In order to address local economic challenges, we have developed a growing number of employment programs, which, as was anticipated, are proving to be extremely successful. As described in the pages within, employment programs range the gamut from programs for lawyers and pharmacists to car mechanics and bus drivers. It is most important to note, that the retraining programs are in fields where there is an identified need for manpower, thereby ensuring employment at the end of the program.

The Immigration and Absorption Department, through its dedicated staff in Israel and abroad, is doing its utmost to ensure that aliyah continues – whether by placing Israel on the agenda of Jewish communities or through the availability of innovative absorption programs and services. We do so because continued aliyah to Israel is not just a privilege but also an imperative. Beyond the saving of Jews in distress – which unequivocally remains a primary goal – continued aliyah is critical to the future of Israel as a Jewish state. If one million Jews had not come over the past decade, the Jewish majority in the State of Israel would already be at dangerous levels. Yet even with the influx of these mass numbers, Israel's Jewish majority is decreasing in practically every region of the country. The numbers of Jews living in Jerusalem, the Negev, and the Galilee are decreasing in comparison to the non-Jewish population simply due to natural birthrate. If these statistics don't raise major questions and concern in the world Jewish polity, then the future of the State of Israel as a Jewish state will ultimately be at serious risk – maybe not in our generation, but certainly in our great-grandchildren's generation.

We are one Jewish people. When it comes to collective responsibility, there is no "them and us" – there is no Israel "here" and the Diaspora "there". What is “overseas” for the North American community is “local needs” for us in Israel and vice versa. Together, we must assess the situation and identify the strengths of the Diaspora and the strengths of the State of Israel – and then conclude how we can move ahead to best secure our collective future as one Jewish people.

It is essential that the Jewish people understand that aliyah is not just Zionist ideology – it is an imperative to all of our futures. For without a strong Jewish state, all of the Jewish people will be at a tremendous loss and as history has repeatedly proved – at possible risk.

Again, I welcome you all to Israel and look forward to working together to place aliyah and klitah prominently on the world Jewish agenda, and of equal importance, to ensure that the necessary resources are made available to enable us to continue our work on behalf of the Jewish people.

Lastly, I would like to thank our out-going Co-Chair Carole Solomon. While with us for a relatively short time, we greatly appreciate the dedication and seriousness which she brought to our committee. Having seen first hand her ability to get things done, we have no doubt, that as Chairman of the Board of Governors, she will make a lasting contribution to the Jewish Agency.

B'vracha,
Mike Rosenberg

TABLE OF CONTENTS

The winds of change are continuing to sweep across the FSU. In Russia and Ukraine – especially in the large cities – the economic situation is improving, an environment which does not constitute a breeding ground for aliyah. On the other hand, in Southern Caucasus and Central Asia, the political situation remains unstable and the economic situation is deteriorating - acting as catalysts for aliyah. Nonetheless, due to continued aliyah, the Jewish population in these states is decreasing at a high rate, and the number of future potential olim is limited.

Having no less of an impact on aliyah trends is the economic and security situation in Israel. Combined first with the threat and then the actual war in Iraq, as the following table reflects, aliyah from the FSU has decreased during the first five months of this year.

Aliyah and Israel Programs Remain Strong – in stark contrast to immigration trends, the number of participants in aliyah and Israel-oriented programming remains firm, indicating not only continued interest but also the real potential for future aliyah. Specifically, attendance in Aliyah Fairs and events relating to Jewish-Israeli holidays has not declined. In Russia and the Ukraine, there was a marked increase from the previous year in participation in Fairs held in April and May. Directly linked to immigration, however, is attendance in aliyah preparation programs which have experienced a 20 percent decline (still much less than the decline in immigration).

Number of new immigrants from the Former Soviet Union – 2003

	South Caucasus & Central Asia	Ukraine and Moldova	Russia, Belarus and the Baltic Republics	Total
January	159	271	356	786
February	171	262	348	781
March	209	227	472	908
April	99	292	263	654
May	170	251	439	860
Total	808	1303	1878	3989

Programs for Young Adults

Youth and young adults from the FSU are continuing to make aliyah through the Na’aleh and Selah programs. It is highly noteworthy, that there was only an 18 percent decrease in registration for Na’aleh and Selah compared to a 50% decrease in aliyah. This statistic is even more salient when taking into consideration that registration took place during the prolonged pre-Iraq war period, and the exams were actually held during the war.

We have taken a number of new actions and activities in order to maintain a high level of registration. For example, the pilot program initiated last year, which screens young people for Na’aleh and Selah during summer and winter camps, is continuing in Russia and the Ukraine. Held in cooperation with Jewish Agency Education shlichim, this framework has proven extremely successful, as potential applicants are screened during their vacation in a relaxed and enjoyable environment. Of no less importance, it also affords both the teenagers and their parents the opportunity to experience one of the many Jewish Agency activities.

This year the Na’aleh and Selah programs have also undergone structural changes designed to attract additional participants:

• Na’aleh has lowered its age of acceptance, and 14-year-old youth are now able to participate in a four-year program that has been approved by Israel’s Ministry of Education.
• Selah is accepting students up until the age of 21, and for Selah Taka up until the age of 22.
• Since the start of 2003, 100 applicants have registered for the Aleh program (a special engineering track).

Additional activities:

In December 2002, a number of joint seminars were held for aliyah coordinators, counselors and youth club directors to provide them with improved tools for marketing their programs.

A joint seminar of Tehilla and Jewish Identity will be held for approximately 100 potential religious candidates for young adult programs.

Highlights of 2003

Intensifying work in small cities and remote areas.

In order to establish a more effective informal connection with Israel, efforts were made to organize seminars and meetings with different audiences, and to integrate the “Aliyah 2000” teams into seminars for young families.

Strengthening the “aliyah-in-stages” approach in aliyah encouragement programming.

Training advertising coordinators to develop an overall strategic marketing campaign, and more effectively integrate their work in the activities of the regional offices.

Working closely with Israel’s Ministry of Welfare for advanced aliyah preparation for the elderly population.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

There is great interest in Eastern European countries in tourist programs in Israel, summer ulpanim, and particularly in the ulpanim work-study program. However, similar to the FSU, the situation in the Middle East has influenced the number of olim who arrived to Israel since the beginning of the year: a total of 73 olim constituting a 30% decrease compared to last year. An additional obstacle to aliyah has been that, due to budget cuts, the Liaison Bureau did not review the files for aliyah candidates during recent months. We hope that the recruitment of a new staff person will help reverse this situation.

In order to maintain the pace of aliyah from Eastern Europe, we must invest greater effort in advertising both aliyah encouragement activity and attractive absorption programs. As part of this effort, we conducted a training seminar in Israel for 24 local aliyah coordinators.

In the first half of 2003, there were a number of “Aliyah 2000” missions in Eastern Europe:

• In Poland, 100 people participated in meetings on Jewish Identity and academic study in Israel.
• In Prague, 60 people attended similar meetings.
• In Bucharest, 300 people met with an “Aliyah 2000” team that featured a Na’aleh representative, the Mayor of Rishon LeZion, an expert on the Middle East, a Jewish identity expert, a representative of the “First Home in the Homeland Kibbutz Program” and a new immigrant student who shared her story.
• For Israel’s Independence Day, a delegation was sent to Budapest, Yugoslavia and Slovakia that included the Mayor of Kiryat Bialik, representatives from the Jewish Agency, “First Home in the Homeland” and the Student Authority.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

It is easy to assume that when the threat of war is looming over Israel and terrorism is unceasing, Jews who have a choice would remain in their native countries. However, aliyah from numerous western countries has increased up to 15 percent from January through the end of May. The growth has come mainly from France, England, Italy and Belgium. The number of newcomers from North America, which experienced its own 20 percent increase in 2002, has remained constant.

Continued aliyah from the West is also interesting in light of the adoption of the Government of Israel’s economic plan which takes away many of the rights and benefits traditionally granted to olim, such as the provision of mortgages by way of grants, the purchase of Israeli made furnishings without 18 percent VAT, and the right to purchase a car without taxes. On the other hand, the government is honoring its decision to give all olim an “absorption basket”, a policy adopted last year. The Jewish Agency is leading the struggle to minimize the damage of the economic package to olim, to explain the situation to western olim and to ensure that ultimately a large percentage of the aid will not be cut.

Conversely, the Aliyah Department has seen a significant reduction during the first half of 2003 in the number of new immigrants arriving from Argentina. The war in Iraq, the slowdown of the Israeli economy and the rising optimism in Argentina’s economy due to the presidential elections there have been determining factors in the delay of aliyah. In response, our shlichim have been focusing on aliyah encouragement activities, and on recruiting participants to long and short-term Israel programs and solidarity missions.

Latin America

In contrast to Argentina, aliyah has increased by more than 25 percent from Uruguay.

The main efforts in Argentina and other South American communities were to increase interest and awareness of the aliyah opportunities in Israel.

Recruitment activities were carried out during May for the Zohar program and in June for the Atid program.

During the summer of 2003, extensive training will be held for the local staff.

During Jan/Feb. 2003, four groups of interviewers and psychologists from communities in Argentina came to Israel to enhance their knowledge and understanding of the klitah tracks in Israel. The participants confirmed that this visit gave them a new perspective on the true significance of their work.

Aliyah Events

In light of the number of inquiries being received by the aliyah offices in Argentina, steps have been taken to continue holding Israel and aliyah- oriented events.

Aliyah Fairs

Major Aliyah Fairs were held at the beginning of May in Argentina, Chile and Uruguay. For the first time, a group of Israeli businesspeople – veteran olim from Argentina – were at the Fair in order to share their personal experience in Israel with the potential olim. This new initiative proved to be highly successful.

In Argentina alone, close to 9,000 people attended Fairs held in Buenos Aires, Rosario and Cordova. In a survey held among the participants, one-third expressed interest in making aliyah. In addition, a large number of participants expressed interest in municipal absorption programs and in study programs at institutes of higher learning.

The Negev Fair

Hundreds of people attended this Fair in Buenos Aires, which presented the wide variety of aliyah options available in Israel’s southern region. One hundred and forty people signed up for aliyah programs during this Fair.

Parlor Meetings

Parallel to these mass events, parlor meetings are being held throughout Argentina. Going directly to the community, 60 of these more intimate meetings have been scheduled throughout 2003 focusing on various target audiences. The success of this model will be evaluated by the ability to reach new audiences who have not had previous contact with the Jewish Agency.

Beit Ha’Oleh

Now in its second year of operation in Buenos Aires, Beit Ha’Oleh continues preparing new immigrants for aliyah. Potential olim have the opportunity to learn Hebrew, English, computers and other skills essential to the employment market in Israel.

English Speaking Countries

South Africa/England/Australia/North America

At the end of 2002, the Israeli government announced its decision to give a special an “absorption basket” to Western olim. The Aliyah and Klitah Department has invested a great deal of effort to ensure that potential olim are aware of this additional support. In the first half of 2003, the results of this campaign have been highly effective:

• The number of first aliyah interviews and new aliyah files opened has increased by 15 percent in England and Australia.
• Our shlichim are continuing to work closely with “Nefesh B’Nefesh”, and two planes bringing new olim are scheduled to arrive this summer. In total, 1,000 olim are expected to make aliyah in 2003 within this framework.

Highlights of Activity

In the beginning of April, the Aliyah and Klitah Department announced the launching of a new program, “Elite”, for high school students. Elite is the North American version of the Na’aleh program. Interested students have begun registering for the 2004 school year.

Magshimim, an aliyah group of French speakers in Montreal has been established. Twenty young adults are planning to make aliyah to Be’er Sheva, Montreal’s Partnership 2000 region.

The relationship with Torah M’Zion has been strengthened to work jointly to encourage aliyah.

In England, the Aliyah Department sponsored its annual “Information Day for Olim”. Potential olim of all ages participated, attending lectures on topics ranging from health care to taxes to retirement. Despite the uncertain security situation in Israel, there was a large turnout. British olim, who have successfully integrated into Israeli society, spoke earnestly with community members about aliyah.

France

In 2002, the number of olim from France grew by 100%, an unprecedented growth that has never before been seen in France. This growth in aliyah is continuing in 2003, in spite of the fiscal and security concerns in Israel.

Aliyah Activities in France and Belgium:

Over 1,000 young adults attended education fairs held in Paris, Marseilles and Lyons, in conjunction with various institutions of higher education.
In April and May, aliyah fairs were organized in Paris and Marseilles, attracting 3,500 participants.

An overwhelming 7,000 people attended an Israel Fair in Belgium in May.

“Cafי Oleh” – potential olim were invited by shlichim to discuss their thoughts and concerns on aliyah over a cup of coffee. Initial reports indicate that this model of personal interaction in an informal environment is extremely effective and should be expanded.

Within the framework of “International Women’s Day” the aliyah mission organized a “Jewish Women’s Day”. Over 500 women participated and learned about different aspects of aliyah.

Israeli Citizens Living Abroad

The Aliyah and Klitah Department continues to work with Israeli citizens, many of whom are children of Israelis living abroad. We view this population group as a very important component of our work, and invest a great effort to include them in aliyah encouragement programming. In recent months, there has been an increased interest in returning to Israel as reflected in the increased number of Israeli יmigrיs seeking information about their rights as returning citizens. This growing interest is attributed to a number of factors: the rise in solidarity with Israel in light of the on-going security situation and the determined efforts of our shlichim to reach out to this population.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Aliyah from Ethiopia has remained relatively stable. In the first months of 2003, 1,275 olim arrived in Israel. A number of points should be kept in mind in regard to aliyah from Ethiopia:

The Ministry of the Interior is responsible for the granting of aliyah approvals, and this determines the pace at which the Jewish Agency can bring to Israel those who are eligible.

A Jewish Agency representative in Ethiopia assists applicants who have received approval from the Ministry of Interior to prepare for and make aliyah.

The Jewish Agency is responsible for initial absorption in Israel and provides the olim with initial absorption assistance (absorption centers and services, ulpan, etc.) because of the unique needs of this community.

The Jewish Agency strives to bring eligible Ethiopians to Israel as speedily and efficiently as possible, as soon as they receive the required approval of Israel’s Ministry of Interior, and to provide them with the best possible initial absorption services in Israel (see section on “Initial Absorption”).

TABLE OF CONTENTS

While absorption is sometimes perceived to be a second and even separate stage of the aliyah process, it is actually an integral part of aliyah itself. Indeed, successful absorption is one of the key factors influencing continued aliyah – when the message of successful absorption is received in Jewish communities abroad, it acts as a catalyst for others. Therefore, the Immigration and Absorption Department believes that its role in the provision of absorption services is of tremendous consequence.

Over the past two years in particular, the Department has developed new programs to meet the changing needs of the olim, aiming to provide them with both the tools and services that will help them more easily adjust to a new social system. It is important to note, that at the same time, emphasis is placed on respecting and appreciating the cultural background of each immigrant population.

Absorption Centers

There are currently 35 absorption centers operated by the Jewish Agency throughout Israel, 19 of which specifically cater to Ethiopian olim. A total of over 10,000 beds are available in absorption centers. Some 12,800 people received services at our absorption centers from January to May, 2003.

Absorption of Ethiopian Olim

At the beginning of May 2003, Tlalim, a new absorption center catering to Ethiopian olim was opened in the Negev. A total of 6400 Ethiopian olim are currently in the care of the Department in this and other absorption centers around the country.

Following the government’s decision to cancel the grant of mortgages for Ethiopian immigrants, which has enabled them to purchase permanent housing, a large number of olim rushed to purchase apartments before the April 15th deadline. The Department views the decision of the government of Israel to cut this aid to Ethiopian newcomers as a grave one, and we are seeking a solution that will enable Ethiopian olim to leave the absorption centers and move into permanent housing in a timely manner.

The Etgarim Educational Program

In the framework of developing study tools and enrichment for the children of Ethiopian olim, the Department has developed a computer education program with the Compedia Software Company. Based on their educational software “Gordy” program, which has been translated into Amharic, the program consists of a course of 25 weekly meetings of parents and children and includes comprehensive computerized enrichment that covers a variety of subjects.

The main goal is to prepare each child for school, to advance learning skills and to expose these children to the variety of subjects needed for their successful integration into the educational system and ultimately into Israeli society. Through the involvement of the parents, the program will strengthen the connection between the parents and their children, and enable them to assist and advance their children in the future.

In addition, the counselors of this program are from the Ethiopian community, providing a natural role model for the participants. This program has been piloted in two absorption centers, and based on their success, will be introduced at additional absorption centers in the coming months.

Main Goals for Ethiopian Absorption – 2003

• Preparation for the absorption of 2000 olim from Ethiopia.
• Preparing the olim for permanent absorption through the one-year “Initial Absorption” framework.
• Opening three additional absorption centers in order to meet increasing needs.
• Integrating the olim in educational frameworks, starting from early childhood through high school, and opening Ulpan Aleph for adult olim.
• Integrating the olim into vocational training programs and/or employment seminars with the goal to expose them to employment opportunities during the initial absorption process.
• Connecting the olim to cultural and social aspects of Israel society while encouraging the continuance of their own rich ethnic traditions.
• Engaging in cultural activities that focus on Zionism, the land of Israel, the Hebrew calendar and Israeli traditions.
• Coping with the conversion process within the first year of absorption.
• Empowering new leadership in the Ethiopian community.
  

Programs for Young Adults

The seventh graduating class of Selah completed the program at the end of May with a trip to Masada. In the past month, there were eight screening missions to the FSU in order to interview and choose new candidates for the upcoming Selah program. These missions interviewed 823 candidates, out of which 608 were accepted. We expect that about 500 young adults will arrive for the program starting in September, 2003. At the end of July, 2003, there will be another screening mission for students who will begin a new Selah course starting in November, 2003.

Rom Program

The professional changes undertaken in the Rom program are bringing results in the field. For the first time, in 2003, a national mathematics aptitude test was held toward the end of the scholastic year to assess academic achievement. Similar tests in English will be conducted next year. We hope that these changes will help advance the level of study and education of the youth in our programs.

Atid - Latin American

Atid is the Latin American version of the Selah program. There are currently three Atid programs in progress. In Carmiel, 13 students are presently studying in Atid-Technology. Sixty-four students are in Atid-Academic, and an additional 60 students are in the Atid-Academic program in Kfar Saba, all of whom will complete their studies at the end of June.

In June, a screening mission will be going to Latin America in order to interview candidates for the next session of the two Atid programs, which will commence in January and September, 2004.

Atid - France

During the month of July, another screening mission will go to France to interview for the Atid-France program, scheduled to open for the first time in Jerusalem. Two programs have been adapted for young adults from France and registration is underway:

• Atid Etzion: Preparation for institutes of higher learning for young adults (18-21) with full matriculation. To date, more than 40 young people have registered.
• HaDor: Program for religious-oriented young adults who did not attain a full matriculation and who are interested in pursuing vocational studies. The first five months of Hebrew studies will be held at Kibbutz Yavne. To date, close to 30 young people have registered.

Kedma: Personal Advancement for Ethiopian Youth Olim

The results from the Kedma programs are highly impressive, with these young Ethiopian students making progress way beyond our expectations. Out of the 100 Kedma students who completed their studies at the Ibim and Nitzana Student Villages, 80 were accepted to Sapir College where they will study toward completing their matriculation exams.

In 2003, three new Kedma programs were established in Arad, Carmiel and Tiberias, with a total of 120 students. Currently, 174 young adults are studying in Kedma programs throughout the country, and an additional two more groups are scheduled later in the year.

Kibbutz Ulpan

In the first quarter of the year, 25 ulpan classes opened their doors, with a total of 476 students. There is no doubt that the war in Iraq and the uncertainty in Israel’s security situation have had a detrimental impact on the number of participants in this program – more than other programs for this target population.

Ulpan Aleph

From the beginning of 2003 until the end of April, 4,500 students began their studies in the framework of Ulpan Aleph. Out of these students, 1,600 reside in absorption centers. We are witnessing a steady increase in the number of students in Ulpan Aleph held in absorption centers, despite the general overall decrease of the total number of students. This reflects the advanced services and technology that is being made available in our absorption centers.

Enhanced Absorption Programs

Training Ethiopian Professionals

The adjustment to life in Israel for Ethiopian olim is a huge one. New olim are introduced to a completely new way of life. As the youth quickly absorb into Israeli society, learning the language and the culture in school, the gap between the parents and their children widens. The family structure, in which the elders were highly revered, has irrevocably changed. As a result, the Ethiopian community has experienced suicides, family violence and juvenile delinquency. The Department has developed a program for the training of Ethiopian professionals who understand the community and can work toward its well-being in Israel.

Focusing on Treatment

Professional discussions on the subject of suicide prevention within the Ethiopian immigrant community, and training social workers in this sphere.
Extending activities in the area of the prevention of violence in the family among Ethiopian newcomers, through building training programs for Ethiopian mediators. These activities are carried out in cooperation with the Center for Prevention of Family Violence in Be’er Sheva.

Kedma: Expanding a teacher training program with the Feuerstein Institute.

Programs for Olim from the FSU

• Maintaining Contact with Graduates from our Youth Study Programs
  An important goal of our Absorption Division is to maintain contact with young adults who have completed our study programs. This is in order to help ensure that they do not fall by the wayside, in particular during transition periods such as between the army and work or study:
• Placing Selah graduate “reps” at each major institute of higher learning in order to maintain contact with their fellow graduates.
• Building a website for the graduates.
• Working closely with the IDF and its various divisions.
• Increasing cooperation with non-profit and volunteer organizations working with soldiers and students who are graduates of our programs.

“Somebody to Run With”

We are currently expanding the project “Somebody to Run With” – a day center for wayward young adults operated through “Elem”. Due to the increase of the number of participants in this program, the budget has been increased. We are now preparing for the next step of the project, which is to provide housing to the rehabilitated participants in order to give them life skills. New York-UJA Federation supports this program as a special project.

Improving Community Absorption: A Multi-Faceted Program

Our 2003 work plan includes many new initiatives and changes. Some programs will be expanded; others will be modified and improved, while many will remain as is. However, we have developed four new initiatives each of which address an area of our work that we believe required new thinking and activity.

The key to our success regarding the first three programs described below is that they will be implemented in an integrated fashion. This approach includes combining the work of community coordinators, regional employment coordinators, and volunteer coordinators. The employment coordinators will work in a cooperative fashion with the community coordinators, and a volunteer center will bring the strength of Israeli society into these efforts. This effort has been developed in full cooperation with Israel’s Ministry of Immigrant Absorption, our key partner in all aspects of absorption work. Together, our goal is to provide a network of support to olim as they are building a new life in Israel.

Community Coordinators

Setting up a home in a new country entails what appears to be an endless list of tasks. Arranging one's social security, health care, education, and telephone line is incredibly difficult in a foreign language – not to mention the search for housing and employment. To help ease the olim's initial landing we have placed absorption coordinators in the field whose mandate is to help olim with such tasks. The mere fact that an oleh knows that they have a name and number to turn to will automatically decrease their level of anxiety. While it is unrealistic to think that we can solve all of the olim's problems, our aim is to establish a professional network which can provide a sturdy safety net.

In its essence, this approach aims to integrate all the bodies that deal with the absorption of olim at the municipal and community level. The community coordinators work throughout Israel in 32 cities and towns which are home to a large percentage of olim. Our goal is that each coordinator will develop a work plan that will address the specific needs in his or her geographic region.

Employment

In 2002, due to the employment challenges in Israel, the Aliyah and Klitah Department concluded that it must take a more pro-active approach. By year-end, we placed three employment coordinators in the field to work more directly with the olim. In addition, in 2003 a newly established employment initiative began work on different tracks. The first is to conduct workshops and seminars to better prepare olim for the Israeli workplace, including the writing of resumes, how to conduct interviews, etc. Second, we are providing assistance regarding job placement through our employment coordinators and by working in coordination with the private sector. The Department is taking these first steps with the full understanding that different services are required for different olim populations. Equally important, we can now send the message to potential olim, that when they come to Israel they will not be alone in their job search – that we will be there to help them.

In addition, the Department’s Employment Unit is developing new projects that meet the needs of Israel’s labor market and are appropriate for the olim. All of these efforts are designed to advance the employment opportunities for the olim population in Israel.

Operating projects:

• Nurses for the Ziv Hospital, Tzfat – designated to train newcomers as practical nurses for the Hospital, this project is carried out in cooperation with “First Home in Israel”, the Ministry of Absorption and the Ministry of Health.
• Project ORT – designated for vocational training in communication, computers and air-conditioning. This program is operating in four countries: Argentina, France, Russia and Ukraine. In August 2003, 95 program participants and their families will make aliyah to Israel within the framework of this vocational training project.
• Pharmacists Project – designated for newcomers from FSU, Latin America and France. The first stage of this program began in March of this year with a group of pharmacists from France who participated in lectures at Tel Aviv University in Israel. The project is run in conjunction with the Ministries of Health and Absorption.
• Opera Singer Project – this is a pilot project of “Aliyah-in-Stages”, in which opera singers come to Israel first as tourists and then have the opportunity to audition for the Israeli Opera. In June, entrance exams will be undertaken in Hungary and Russia, and those chosen will come to Israel in October, 2003.
• Employment Consultation Service – designated for potential aliyah candidates who are living abroad, this service is available for all aliyah candidates.
• Retraining Academics for Social Work – designated for academic olim in Israel, this two-year program is run by the Ministry of Absorption and Ben Gurion University. The participants are integrated into the workforce at the end of the course. The marketing and screening for this project has already begun.
• Car Mechanics Project – currently operating in Jerusalem and Hadera, with plans to open and operate six new groups in the southern and northern regions, this project lasts for about one year upon the arrival of the olim. The project is carried out in conjunction with the Ministry of Labor, the Ministry of Absorption and the Israel Garage Association. All of the graduates are guaranteed work placement.
• Employment for Young Adults – designated for young adult olim who were rejected from educational frameworks and their families, this project is conducted in cooperation with Elem.
• Hightech Mechanics – designated for engineers whose skills are not in demand in Israel, this project is planned for operation in the Northern region in partnership with the Ministries of Absorption and Labor and the Aliyah and Klitah Department. Currently, the program is being marketed in Ukraine, and in the near future, will also be promoted in Russia.
• Training Bus and Minibus Drivers – operating in the Southern region, with potential for an additional group in either the Central or Northern regions.
• Forklift Training –designated for newcomers in Israel and currently operating.
• Business Entrepreneurship for Olim – currently in the planning stages, to be marketed through business entrepreneurship seminars in the FSU.
• Training Ethiopian Bus and Heavy Truck Drivers – an 11-month course including one month of theory and 10 months of practical study. The program is being coordinated and operated in cooperation with the Dan Bus Company.

National Volunteer Center for Absorption

It is in the interest of olim and Israeli society at large, for both veteran Israelis and veteran olim to be involved in the absorption process. In a healthy civic-minded society, volunteers contribute an unrivaled and immeasurable added value. In Israel, there are scores of volunteer efforts being undertaken on behalf of olim. To best advance and leverage these efforts, the Aliyah and Klitah Department decided to establish a National Volunteer Center for the Absorption of Olim. The goal of the Center is to expand the scope of the volunteer sector, raise the consciousness of Israeli society towards this end, and coordinate volunteer efforts on a national and local level (see section on Olim Associations).

Conversion Program for New Immigrant Soldiers

Conversion in Israel is an extremely laborious process. Even after completing Jewish Agency sponsored conversion studies, the Israeli Rabbinate is notorious for prolonging the granting of a conversion. This has created highly problematic situations, many of which involve soldiers serving in the IDF (many of whom are graduates of Selah and Na’aleh).

To help address this problem, in 2003, the Aliyah and Klitah Department began work in coordination with the Joint Institute for Jewish Studies to develop a special program for IDF olim soldiers. The main goal is for the soldiers to complete the course, and their conversion, while still within the framework of their IDF service. To date, 127 soldiers completed their studies, and a second group of 202 immigrant soldiers began their studies in May of this year.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

“Aliyah 2000” is one of the most important contributing factors in our effort to encourage aliyah and strengthen the symbiotic relationship between aliyah and klitah. It is a program which reaches out to potential olim in their country of origin, offering an array of living, employment and educational absorption frameworks, thereby eliminating many of the uncertainties involved in aliyah.

As in all of our work, we are being responsive to the shifting trends impacting our agenda, both in regard to the make-up of olim as well as in regard to the economic and societal needs in Israel. For example, our missions featured:

• New employment programs that address an identified need in the Israeli workforce and which are realistic options for the olim population.
• An increased number of delegations to France and Argentina
• An increased number of “success stories” targeting young adults

Activities in 2003:

“Aliyah 2000” Delegations

These teams of professionals, including representatives of local municipalities, kibbutzim, businesses, educational institutions, etc. are sent abroad by the Jewish Agency where they meet with groups of potential olim and offer concrete options regarding initial absorption in Israel.

Scores of “Aliyah 2000” delegations in the FSU, Eastern Europe and Western Countries met with thousands of potential olim. Hundreds of olim registered for a variety of direct municipal and employment absorption programs.

In the FSU, special emphasis was placed on bringing “Israel” to both large and small communities. To date, Aliyah Fairs have been highly successful, attracting more than 12,000 participants.

In the West, well over 20,000 participants attended Aliyah, Israel and student fairs which took place in Argentina, France and Belgium, among other locations.

Highlights of Activities:

• Both families and individual olim made aliyah through one of the “Aliyah 2000” programs featured below.
• In 2002, special emphasis was placed on providing information and consultation regarding the Israeli workforce and employment programs in Israel.
• The “First Home in the Homeland” (Bayit Rishon B’Moledet) program continues to attract significant numbers of olim from the Ukraine and Southern Caucasus.
• Based on the success of our past experience, we continued to send “olim matslichim” (olim success stories) to share their first-hand experience with their peers and colleagues in the FSU.

Employment Projects

Despite the difficult situation in the Israeli job market, we succeeded in implementing an increasing number of special employment projects this year. The provision of employment at the initial absorption stage, is undoubtedly a major factor in the successful klitah of the participating olim. For a listing and description of these programs, see the section on “Absorption in Israel”.

Local Authorities and Municipalities

"Aliyah 2000” works in cooperation with approximately 40 local authorities to encourage aliyah from the FSU and a number of countries in the West.

In the West, the Municipal Direct Absorption programs have proven to be highly successful in Latin American countries, particularly Argentina.

In addition to more established projects such as Ahuzat Barak, Arad, Ashdod, Ashkelon, Beer Sheva, Kiryat-Bialik, Nahariya, and Upper Nazareth, this year we initiated new projects in municipalities including Beit Shean, Eilat, Jerusalem, Katzrin, Midgal HaEmek, Mitzpe Ramon, Netanya, Kiryat Malachi, and Ramle, Rehovot, and Yavniel.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

The goal of Tnuat Aliyah is to increase awareness, motivation and knowledge about aliyah while strengthening the bond with the State of Israel and the Jewish people. It accomplishes this goal by exposing potential olim to the many long and short-term opportunities available in Israel, such as professional internships, a myriad of volunteer programs, university studies, pilot tours and more.

Programs:

Long-term Programs – up to one year for young adults.

These programs, an integral part of the “aliyah-in-stages” process, allow young people to discover Israel in different ways and encourage them to experience real life in Israel. The programs include professional internships, Ma’rva, Sherut La’am, Magen David Adom, Kibbutz Ulpan and WUJS Institute.

Short Term Aliyah Encouragement Programs

Personal and professional pilot tours to prepare groups and individuals for aliyah.

Tourist Programs

These programs are for both tourists who come to Israel independently and those who come within the framework of Jewish Agency and other programs. The goal is to expose participants to the many opportunities available in Israel.

From January –June, 2003, in spite of the severe security situation, some 11,000 people were exposed to the various Tnuat Aliyah programs.

Programs from the Former Soviet Union

Keshet Program for Parents of Lone Soldiers

This program, now in its second year, brings the parents of lone soldiers from the Former Soviet Union to Israel enabling them to reunite with their sons and daughters, and to raise their awareness regarding their options in Israel. Many of the parents who come on the Keshet program have not seen their children for well over a year. In a survey taken among the participants of a recent group, following their week-long stay, 36 out of the 38 parents said that they would consider joining their children on aliyah.

Project Manof Krovim – Oleh brings Oleh

This project targets parents of children who are in various Jewish Agency Programs, such as Selah, Taka and Aleh, and is comprised of three stages:

• Orientation meeting with the young adults in Israel and dissemination of material to their parents in the FSU.
• A second meeting with program participants to provide them with detailed and relevant information on aliyah and klitah for their relatives.
• Establishing a Jerusalem-Tel Aviv hotline so the program participants can call their parents and family and answer their questions regarding aliyah and klitah.

This year, a strong emphasis was placed on this program in three different regions in the FSU, and in the first half of the year there were over 560 participants. Due to the success of this program, it is being operated this year for the first time with Argentinean program participants.

FSU Birthright Israel Fair – The Israel Experience

During the months of January and February, 1,500 birthright Israel participants took part in FSU Aliyah Fairs. The birthright participants went on a tour of Kibbutz Ulpan, and met with representatives of Israel’s institutes of higher learning, The Student Authority, Israel Defence Forces (IDF) and Tnuat Aliyah representatives and program graduates.

The Americas/Europe

Pilot Tours: Argentina, Uruguay, France

As part of our policy to target Argentina, Uruguay and France, we are continuing to conduct special pilot tours from these countries. Within this
framework, 30 potential olim, all of whom have opened aliyah files, from Argentina, 42 from Uruguay and 50 from France have come to Israel to explore their absorption possibilities, including housing, education and work options. An additional 220 people from Argentina, and 220 people from France are expected to come to Israel on pilot tours by the end of the year.

Aliyah Groups

This year, a new phenomena has taken off - aliyah groups. These groups consist of people who are interested in aliyah, and have organized themselves in their home countries to make aliyah as a group. Two groups have thus far come to Israel this year to explore absorption possibilities. One from Nice (France), consisting of 30 people, and the other from Montreal, consisting of 20 people, ages 20-30, who plan to make aliyah this summer to their Partnership 2000 Region, Be’er Sheva.

The “Ambassadors”

At the beginning of January, a group of 15 students from North America and England came to Israel to participate in a training program for the marketing and promotion of long and short-term programs. These young adults now recruit students on campuses for these programs and also serve as informal ambassadors for Israel. In addition to learning about marketing and promotion techniques, the participants received information about our long and short-term programs and visited absorption facilities in Israel.

Strengthening the Connection with Program Graduates

In May 2003, a pilot project was implemented to work directly with program graduates from Mexico. Supported by the counselors of the programs in which they participated, the graduates become “ambassadors” of our programs and Israel at-large.

Latin America

This year, training seminars were held for local staff who work in Jewish Agency offices in Latin America. Four training seminars were held for 40 participants who serve as interviewers, social workers and psychologists. This enabled them to learn first hand about the Department’s programs, and receive in-depth professional training. In addition, they met with olim in various stages of absorption to get a clearer understanding of their day-to-day needs and challenges.

Long-Term Programs

Magen David Adom

The program began this year with great enthusiasm. Three Magen David Adom courses were held thus far in 2003, with 62 volunteers coming from abroad. This year, an additional segment has been added to the program. The volunteers will be trained to serve as “medical clowns” in children’s hospital wards. This training will be carried out by the Simchat HaLev organization.

This year an ambulance was donated by Jewish communities and Magen David Adom volunteer graduates in memory of Yochai Porat (z"l ), our former MDA program director who was tragically killed by a terrorist while doing his reserve duty in the IDF.

Professional Volunteer Internship

Professional volunteer interns are placed in prominent positions in which they gain valuable experience in their field and life in Israel at large. Placements included Bank Leumi’s business department, a French advertising agency in Tel Aviv, MetoTech, a meteorological company, hotline for work accidents, computer department of the Israel Defense Forces and many other varied assignments, tailored to the profile and interests of the participants.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

New Projects

Family-to-Family Absorption Program

The Olim Association Division has embarked upon a new national project for 2003. This unique project for increasing mutual involvement in absorbing aliyah is based on the value of shared responsibility, volunteerism and transforming aliyah into a publicly recognized national challenge.

The project, Family-to-Family, matches veteran families with new immigrant families. Every veteran family will be trained to take on this “adoption”, and assist in the ongoing daily absorption of their olim family. The families will participate together in a variety of social activities within the project framework. Hundreds of veteran and newcomer families are being recruited for this project.

Goals of the Family-to-Family Program:

• To assist in the effective and swift social absorption of olim families.
• To create informal and ongoing meetings between veteran and new immigrant families.
• To assist in creating local infrastructures to absorb aliyah.
• To involve veteran Israelis in the important national task of absorbing new immigrant families.

Employment Counseling

A new project being launched in 2003, in conjunction with the Council for Immigrant Organizations, is the establishment of employment headquarters for the olim associations. The project will identify employment opportunities for olim, and assist in olim’s integration into the Israeli workforce. The program will be based at our joint Tel-Aviv Information Center.

Latin America

The Olim Association Division is working closely with the Latin American Olim Association to run various activities and assist young Latin American olim to integrate into Israeli society. Activities include encouraging the newcomers to volunteer for the Civil Guard and connecting them to veteran Israelis in their peer group.

The Council for Immigrant Organizations

With the government’s announcement of its new economic austerity plan, which will severely effect new olim and aliyah, the Council for Immigrant Organizations (a national umbrella organization) joined the appeal to the Supreme Court put forth by the Jewish Agency against the government.

We hope that this important action will also assist in developing new understanding regarding the tremendous contribution aliyah makes to the strength of the State of Israel and the strategic importance of aliyah to Israel and the Jewish people.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

This support unit of the Immigration and Absorption Department conducts relevant surveys and research, providing the department’s policymakers and staff with updated information that enables them to initiate short and long-term planning, formulate effective strategic decisions and improve programming.

Completed Research and Surveys – 2003

The research that was completed in the first quarter of 2003:

• Follow-up on the Selah and Chalom program graduates
• Identifying the influencing factors on the decision to make aliyah from the FSU: Focus Groups
• Study on veteran immigrants seeking employment
• Continuing Research and Projects in 2003
• Evaluating the Kedma model for the absorption of Ethiopian youth in Israel.
• Studies on the aliyah and absorption projects within the framework of “Partnership 2000”, in conjunction with the Israel Department.
• Development of new website providing an address where potential immigrants can ask questions and receive a professional response from the Department’s staff.
• Program Development for “Aliyah 2000”.
• Ongoing Jewish Demographic Studies.
• On-Going Planning and Evaluation
• Providing support to departmental units in development of annual work plans.
• Initiate and advance strategic planning processes, including the preparation of policy papers.
• Provide strategic support for departmental reorganization and structural changes.
• Monitoring/assessing department’s activities in Israel and abroad, and effectively applying conclusions in subsequent work plans and activities.
• Collection and organization of information on olim rights, returning minors, foreign-born citizens and returning Israelis, and disseminating this information to relevant bodies.
• Collection and distribution of research studies and scientific publications on the subject of aliyah and absorption.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

The Publications and Information Unit provides production and consultation services in nine different languages for the marketing of departmental programs and activities for tourists and potential olim. The unit produces booklets, brochures, posters, CD’s, and videos, as well as managing the Department’s web site in four different languages.

From the beginning of January 2003 to the end of April, more than 14 tons of material was sent to a variety of destinations throughout the world.

To date, the unit has supplied material for the increased number of Aliyah, Israel and student fairs held around the world (Argentina, France, Uruguay, Venezuela, Mexico, Chile, Belgium, UK, USA, Central Europe, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and the FSU). The information includes both written and audio-visual material on direct absorption programs, long and short-term programs, absorption benefits and aliyah motivational material. In addition, the Unit is periodically involved in updates, developments and human-interest stories that reflect the work of the department.

Promotional Media

Audio-visual and computer presentations have taken a more prominent position, increasing effectiveness and bolstering both interest and distribution. We are continuing with the production of a number of short films in various languages, making them an integral part of our circulated materials.

Our audio-visual and written materials are being made in CD-Rom format, thereby placing a reservoir of information at one’s fingertips. Currently they are available in Russian, Spanish and English.

The Department’s Internet sites are presently being redesigned and surfers will soon be able to enjoy new updated information in a user-friendly format in Russian, English, Spanish and French.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Last updated: Wednesday, August 27, 2003