At this particular juncture, your support is even more important, because these BOG meetings will focus on the budgetary cutbacks which we discussed with our Committee and Budget and Finance Committee via teleconference, and which we have been reporting to you. As you know, in this process, the Aliyah and Klitah Department was requested to propose priorities for $9 million of cutbacks (out of a total of $20 million), and then was asked to actually cut $4 million following the decision of the Executive Committee.

In a time when we need to be strengthening the core business of the Jewish Agency, and need to be creating a "turnaround" in aliyah trends by way of aliyah encouragement and increased absorption efforts, these cutbacks only serve to make our work more difficult.

However, it is very important to note that this process also does not take into consideration those priority programs, which were approved, in the previous round of budget cuts one year ago. At that time, we were asked to make painstaking reductions in our budget and then re-prioritize for new programs. Following laborious discussion, the committee decided to prioritize the budget to support activity such as "At Home and Together" program, Employment Coordinators, Community Coordinators, and conversion programs for soldiers.

Yet it is precisely these programs which, due to the way that they were funded (not via core funding), which do not have a source of funding in the 2004 fiscal year. And yet, as explained below, these are extremely important and successful programs which must continue in the coming year - as such, we will need your support.

Through these programs and others, we have succeeded in strengthening the aliyah continuum, meaning that we are strengthening the absorption safety net through a myriad of undertakings such as employment and re-training/re-licensing programs. Our strategically placed community coordinators are critical to this effort, providing a personal address for olim in their bureaucratic roadmap; their search for employment; and, in general, helping ease the absorption process by way of what has now become our flagship program "At Home and Together".

The "At Home and Together" program, which was launched less than one year ago, has succeeded in coupling more than 650 olim families or singles with veteran olim or native Israelis. The impact on the olim, in helping them develop a friendship with someone close-by - somebody who knows the ropes - is tremendously valuable to their psychological well-being. These ties make an unparalleled contribution to both the olims' social absorption and the nurturing of a healthy social fabric in Israel. You will have the opportunity to meet some of the participants at one of our committee meetings.

In addition, we are constantly modifying our work agenda in response to changes in the Jewish world and klitah challenges in Israel. For example, due to social and economic changes in the FSU, our work in the former Soviet Union is becoming more akin to our aliyah-in-stages approach in the western world - developing new ways in which to bring tourists for long and short term programs, and devising new approaches to reach out to populations which seem to be enjoying relative stability and prosperity. Clearly, the response to a decrease in aliyah in the FSU should not be to curtail our programmatic activity - the right answer is to strengthen our presence!

However, what is perhaps most consequential in the long-run is our effort to legitimize aliyah encouragement in western Jewish communities - especially in North America and France. When we say legitimize, we mean that the Jewish communal system will support our efforts to engage in discussing or contemplating aliyah - just as we are supported in such efforts in the FSU. While we have not let our guard down in our monitoring of Jewish communities-at-risk, and we will always be on stand-by if, heaven forbid, any single Jew or community needs rescuing to Israel, it is aliyah from the large communities in the western word that we must focus on. This is critical in order to preserve a Jewish majority in Israel. It is equally consequential in serving to strengthen the Jewish people as a whole.

Clearly, the legitimacy and necessity for placing aliyah on the agendas of countries such as France and North American is critical. With the inspiration of the Aliyah and Klitah Strategic Taskforce, we ask you to continue to support us in addressing one of the most significant challenges of our time.

Sincerely,
Arieh Azoulay   Daniel Liwerant
Co-Chair            Co-Chair

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Foreword

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ALIYAH

Immigration and Absorption

The trends which have categorized immigration and absorption to Israel throughout the last decade of the previous millennium have experienced an evolution over the past three years. In part, this has been affected by the intifada and economic recession which have been beleaguering the State of Israel. However, additional geo-political changes have entered the picture.

One of the changes has been the decrease in aliyah from the Former Soviet Union. For more than ten years, aliyah from this part of the world was all consuming, and while, numerically speaking, olim from the FSU continue to constitute the single largest number of immigrants arriving to Israel's shores, the numbers are far from what they were prior to the outbreak of violence. Yet, violence is not the foremost reason for this change. The concern of not finding employment has been the greatest deterrent, as potential olim choose to either delay their aliyah or not come at all. In addition, in parallel with these developments, the quality of life throughout the FSU - especially in the larger cities - is quickly closing the gap with metropolitan cities in western countries. And even if the quality of life isn't exactly like Paris and New York, the hope for a better future is so prevalent that it is almost tangible.

Thus, and as described below, our work in the FSU is becoming more like our work in the West. Yet, in stark contrast to changes in aliyah trends from the FSU, aliyah from the West is on the rise. Immigration from almost every major western country has risen over the past two years, most notably the United States, Canada, Great Britain, Australia, France, and almost every Latin American country. Also reflective of growing interest in or affinity with Israel is the continued rise of the number of young people participating in our various long-term programs. This is even more striking when noted in the context of the on-going intifada and the continued demise of Israel's tourist industry.

In response to all of the aforementioned developments, the Aliyah and Klitah Department has been making major efforts to strengthen our immigration support services. As has been widely acknowledged, immigration is not a separate process from absorption but quite the contrary: they are entirely inter-related in what has been coined the "aliyah continuum". Successful klitah ensures continued aliyah (as encouraging messages about life in Israel are shared with friends and family overseas), and successful aliyah is tantamount to satisfied olim.

As noted above, one of the greatest challenges of this aliyah continuum is employment. We have significantly strengthened the absorption safety net through the use of project coordinators and employment coordinators all of whom work in the field directly with the olim. In conjunction with Israel's Ministry of Immigrant Absorption and the Local Authorities Union, the "At Home and Together" program was launched in order to couple new olim with veteran olim and native Israelis. We hope that through these efforts and others described below, we will be able to successfully absorb the more than 23,000 olim who will make aliyah in 2003, and put into place a klitah structure that will act as a catalyst for the many olim to arrive in years to come.

Charts

Statistical Overview (PDF 27K*)
Immigrants and Israelis Handled by Aliyah Emissaries (PDF 25K*)

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While we have scaled back our infrastructure, due to the drop in aliyah from the Former Soviet Union, we are continuing our commitment to bringing olim from this area. The estimated one million eligible olim in the FSU is a relatively aged population, and the assimilation rate among young people remains alarmingly high. Jewish weddings, bar/bat mitzvahs and other Jewish rites of passage are becoming more of a rarity despite the religious freedoms that prevail. As such, if we do not want to lose these vast numbers to the Jewish people, and because of the decrease in aliyah, we must increase our aliyah encouragement activity and work even harder to reach out to as many potential olim as possible. Unfortunately, just when the need is greatest, budgetary constraints are preventing us from implementing a proper response.

New Emphasis for Aliyah Encouragement

In general, the political and economic situation in the FSU is improving, especially in the larger cities. Growing prosperity or the sheer hope for prosperity, coupled with a high level of national pride, has made migration to other countries a less sought after option - Israel included. It is precisely in these cities where the majority of potential olim reside, and to better meet this changing reality we are adapting our work agenda as follows:

1. Identifying new populations: Only some ten percent of potential olim in the larger cities have participated in Jewish Agency activities. In an effort to significantly increase this number, we have launched intensive marketing efforts in the media to make them aware of what the Jewish Agency has to offer, and organized mass social and cultural events such as fairs, seminars, symposiums and conferences. To help position Israel's image in a more positive light, an increased number of individual's including successful olim, businessmen, and other public figures have addressed audiences in the FSU.
2. Increasing involvement among veteran participants: Among those who have participated in previous Jewish Agency activity, we have organized tailor-made programs which meet the needs, interests and expectations of the various population groups. It is equally important to have this target population take part in fairs, seminars, etc.
3. Deepening identity with the State of Israel and nurturing ideological motivations for aliyah encouragement: Since the economic and political factors which once acted as catalysts for aliyah are becoming much less of a factor, we must develop an array of programs through which we can nurture Jewish-Zionist identity, and instill an ideological bond with the State of Israel and the Jewish people. Young people are an important population group, and we aim to develop an array of Israel-Zionist oriented activities, such as student camps, volunteer activities, and young leadership training. Such activity is being conducted in cooperation with the Jewish Agency's Education Department.
4. Expanding the "Aliyah-in-Stages" approach: This approach, which for many years has been an integral part of our work in the West, is based on the premise that if someone has a positive long or short-term experience in Israel, then chances are that they may want to return, in some cases culminating in aliyah. It has been recently recognized that an increased number of such programs should be developed and marketed in the FSU, including programs that can be integrated with the Selah program and institutes of higher learning.

Programs for Young Adults

Young people who come to study in Israel, and make aliyah before their families, remain a top priority in our work agenda, and we are pleased that participation in the Selah, Takah and Na'aleh programs remains strong. A pilot program for the recruitment to Na'aleh was conducted directly in schools, which enabled us to reach out to entirely new populations. This will now be used as a model for future operations.

Highlights of 2003

• In September 2003, 470 Selah students and 300 Na'aleh students began their studies in the 2003-2004 academic school year. Additional students are scheduled to arrive in November.
• At the beginning of September, the largest Aleh group (70 students) made aliyah through the Aleh study program which features a special engineering track. The advantages of Aleh are that applicants are given an answer on the same day of screening, and as soon as they begin the program in Israel, they are linked to an institute of higher education.
• In September, 100 students arrived on the Taka program to begin their studies: some will be learning Hebrew at the Kibbutz Ulpan programs at Ein Hashofet and Kibbutz Shoval, while others are residing at the Kfar Saba and Ashkelon absorption centers.
• In 2004, emphasis will be placed on developing absorption programs which address the needs of the family unit, including education, housing and employment. A special focus has been placed on the families of Na'aleh and Selah candidates who were not accepted into the program. A pilot program called "NOAM", which is being conducted in cooperation with the "First Home in the Homeland" Kibbutz program, provides a comprehensive absorption program for parents and children.

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Similar to the FSU, Eastern Europe is characterized by social and political change, again most notably in the larger cities. In the peripheral areas, the economic situation remains challenging, and suffers from higher rates of unemployment. The Eastern European delegation works in seven countries: Hungary, Romania, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland and the former Yugoslavia which are home to an estimated 150,000 potential olim.

In 2003, aliyah from Eastern European countries has decreased from the previous year. Israel's security and economic situation have directly impacted on aliyah trends, and Hungary, Poland and the Czech Republic's acceptance to the European Union is cause for increased optimism among the local population.

In order to maintain or even increase the current pace of aliyah, we will focus on:

• Developing attractive aliyah encouragement programs designed to deepen the emotional connection to Israel and Zionism;
• Alleviating the uncertainty and fear about visiting Israel;
• Building a stronger absorption safety net in Israel
  

Target Populations:

• Young adults and students aged 15-25.
• Young couples and families.
• Parents of young adults who have made aliyah.

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A quick glance at any Jewish demographic study reveals that the greatest Jewish population outside of Israel resides in the West, namely North America and France. While not diminishing our efforts in the FSU or in regard to rescue, clearly, we will need to place Western aliyah more prominently in our aliyah encouragement programming. The decreasing Jewish majority in Israel as well as the demographic trends recently revealed in the Jewish National Population Survey only reconfirm the vital need for us to succeed in this mission.

Overview

For the second consecutive year, aliyah from the West constitutes nearly half of all olim - and this is not only due to the decrease in aliyah from the FSU. Aliyah from Western countries such as the United States, Canada, Great Britain, Spain, Italy, Australia, Uruguay, Mexico, Belgium, and almost every Latin American country (except for Argentina) is on the rise.

It is important to note, that since the start of 2003, when the government of Israel announced its provision of a special "absorption basket" of services for 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. However, the positive impact of the government's decision was severely curtailed by the government's austerity plan which included numerous cutbacks in assistance traditionally provided to olim. The Jewish Agency led a campaign to minimize the damage, but unfortunately, with only partial success.

Latin America

Aliyah trends from Latin America are dual in nature: on the one hand aliyah from Argentina is in sharp decline in comparison to 2002, on the other hand, aliyah is up from across the continent. However, it is important to note that aliyah from Argentina is not down when compared to the years prior to the economic crisis.

In Latin America, most notable is the increased aliyah from Uruguay, which is up by some 90 percent, and Venezuela and Mexico which have more than doubled (from January through September 2003). In general, we are continuing to conduct aliyah fairs and send delegations to the region in order to make the Latin American Jewish community aware of their options in Israel. We have also developed new models to reach out to populations that have not been in contact with the Jewish Agency.

New Initiatives

Argentina:

We expect approximately 2000 olim from Argentina to arrive by the end of the year. Impacting aliyah trends was the war in Iraq, coupled with increased optimism following the election of a new president in Argentina. In response, three new programs were developed, each addressing a different target population: the "Shachar" program for young families; the "Alma" program for single-parent families; and "POP" for singles who make aliyah through the "First Home in the Homeland" Kibbutz Program.

Both family-oriented programs begin with a pre-aliyah process in Argentina, which includes Hebrew language and employment preparation and re-training, all of which continues after their aliyah in Israel. The "Shahar" project is designed to encourage the aliyah of olim from Argentina, who are scheduled to arrive to Israel in December 2003, and will reside in absorption centers throughout Israel. They will participate in short-term vocational training programs in order to integrate as quickly as possible to the Israeli labor market.

Two video conferences were held before Rosh Hashana: one joining together the first group of olim in the "POP" program with candidates in Argentina in order to share their experiences and answer questions; and a second video conference joining together candidates for the "Shachar" program with staff in Jerusalem.

• Earlier in the year, four groups of interviewers and psychologists working in various communities in Argentina came to Israel to enhance their knowledge and understanding of the klitah tracks in Israel. Equipped with first hand information, the program was designed help the coordinators market these programs more effectively.
• In response to the growing economic distress and growing political instability in Venezuela, a special fund was established to provide financial assistance to olim from this Latin American country.

Aliyah Events in Latin America

In light of the decrease in the number of aliyah inquiries in Argentina compared to the surge in 2002, the following measures were taken:

Aliyah Fairs: Israel and aliyah fairs were conducted to increase awareness of options in Israel, and to help keep aliyah on the Latin American Jewish agenda. In this framework, the Negev Fair was organized in which hundreds of participants from the Jewish community were exposed to a variety of absorption opportunities in the Negev. Despite the fact that the fair was held during the time of the Iraq War, 140 people signed up for absorption programs.

A major Aliyah Fair was held in May, in Argentina, Chile and Uruguay. The Israeli delegation featured a group of businessmen, veteran olim from Argentina, who explained about their own experiences, spoke about how to establish small businesses in Israel, and addressed many other topics of interest raised by the potential olim.

Aliyah Delegations: A delegation from Kiryat Bialik visited Latin America during the summer, and met with 150 aliyah candidates to encourage direct absorption to the community.

Representatives from the Northern region of the Jewish Agency, together with representatives of local municipalities, visited Buenos Aires, and Uruguay. This delegation met with 300 aliyah candidates.

Representatives of the Student Authority and Hebrew University met with 80 students interested in higher education in Israel.

Parlor Meetings: Parallel to the larger aliyah events being held in Argentina, parlor meetings are being convened in which Jewish Agency representatives go directly into the communities. This model was designed as a tool to reach out to new audiences who have not had previous contact with the Jewish Agency. Sixty parlor meetings have been scheduled for various target populations through year-end 2003.

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 participate in employment workshops, and to study Hebrew, English, computers and other skills essential to the employment market in Israel.

English Speaking Countries

As already mentioned, aliyah from English-speaking countries has been on the rise. (See table on page)

Highlights of Activity

• In the beginning of April 2003, 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. Students have expressed interest in this program, and a small group arrived in the beginning of September. We are looking forward to a significant number of participants in 2004.
• Recognizing the potential for aliyah among FSU immigrants residing in North America, a special operational program has been crystallized in cooperation with the Education Department of the Jewish Agency. Within this framework, a number of delegations of students and Israeli public figures from the Former Soviet Union visited North America to encourage aliyah, with a special emphasis on Jerusalem. A special Russian-speaking emissary was designated for this population.
• Carefully selected long-term program returnees received special training, enabling them to effectively market these programs on campuses throughout North America.
• A group (garin) of French speakers from Magshimim, an aliyah program in Montreal, made aliyah to Be'er Sheva, Montreal's Partnership 2000 region.
• Tremendous energy was invested in bringing olim who received assistance from the Nefesh B'Nefesh organization to Israel as a group. Two special chartered flights were organized to bring some 600 Nefesh B'Nefesh olim.
• A record number of 800 people attended a Real Estate and Aliyah Fair in London sponsored by the Aliyah and Klitah Department. The Israeli Embassy arranged a farewell party for new olim prior to their departure to Israel.
• In England, the Aliyah Department sponsored its annual "Information Day for Olim". Eight guest speakers, lecturing on a variety of subjects such as retirement in Israel, health care, housing, customs and taxes addressed the some one hundred potential olim of all ages who are in various stages of aliyah.

Germany

In cooperation with the local Jewish community, a continuous effort is being made to encourage aliyah among the community of immigrants from the FSU who are now living in Germany. These efforts include a visit and lecture from an IDF officer and specialists from the Northern Region of the Aliyah and Klitah Department.

The Aliyah Department in Germany promoted the subject of aliyah through information booths and presentations at the Jewish Education and Book Fair that was held in Berlin in August.

France

In 2002, the number of olim grew by 100%, marking an unprecedented yearly increase in aliyah from France. Aliyah continues in substantial numbers, but at a slightly slower pace in 2003.

Highlights of Aliyah Activities:

• Higher Education Fairs were held in Paris, Marseilles, Toulouse, Strasbourg, Grenoble and Lyons, in conjunction with various institutions of higher education. A group of 55 young olim in the Na'aleh project arrived to Israel at the beginning of September, and 40 students have arrived on the Atid (Selah) program where they are studying at Ulpan Etzion in Jerusalem.
• Local Aliyah Fairs conducted in the spring attracted a wide audience, including those held in Paris and Marseilles. In May, a large Aliyah Fair was held in Belgium.
• Informational events were held in peripheral communities to encourage aliyah, including: the "Hasbara Caravan", Shabbat seminars with Rabbis and emissaries, and exposing high school students to study options in Israel. The delegation estimates that the cumulative exposure for 2003 will reach a record number of more than 80,000 Jews.
• Efforts are being made to garner community support for scholarships for student olim.
• Café Oleh - parlor meetings over a cup of coffee - to informally discuss aliyah and life in Israel, have proven highly successful in approaching both new and veteran populations. This model is now being 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.
• Following the success of the Dentist Program last year, the Aliyah and Klitah Department succeeded in securing approval from the Ministry of Health to conduct licensing exams for dentists in France which eases their initial absorption. Twenty-five dentists sat for their exams in September.
• A re-licensing program for French lawyers has completed its first stage of study, and the participants are now taking the tests to become practicing lawyers. This group resides in the Ra'anana Absorption Center.
• This year, recruitment has begun for training candidates for a joint project with ORT. This project includes ulpan and initial vocational training in France, with continuance of the vocational training for the first group who made aliyah in September.

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In the first ten months of 2003, more than 2,500 olim arrived from Ethiopia, which is comparable to the previous year. The pace of aliyah approval from Israel's Ministry of the Interior determines the anticipated number of olim. It is certainly possible that there will be a major increase in the number of Ethiopians in absorption centers in 2004. There are some 20,000 Ethiopians pending in Ethiopia and, at the initiative of UJC discussions, they are currently being held on their being brought to Israel. This is a major issue of serious concern to us all and accordingly, a major increase is likely in 2004.

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Absorption needs are continually changing, reflecting both the specific needs of the olim population as well as the challenges put forth by Israeli society. For example, when employment is widely available, there is minimal need to focus our energies in this area; when unemployment is up, then it is incumbent upon us to help address the challenges of an olim population who barely knows the language, let alone the "ropes" of the Israeli workforce. In difficult economic times, when social absorption is harder than ever, we must also acknowledge that we need additional assistance. As such, we have developed an enhanced aliyah continuum which includes a larger support staff in the field, and the essential support of Israeli society through a network of active volunteers.

Special Focus - Enhanced Community Absorption

Toward the year 2003, the Aliyah and Klitah department crystallized a new approach for absorption. This is a multi-faceted approach that integrates all of the bodies dealing with the absorption of olim in the local municipalities and is based on three main components: employment, connecting to Israeli society and volunteerism. These components will provide a comprehensive absorption answer for the needs of the olim and is run in cooperation with Israel's Ministry of Absorption and the Union of Local Authorities.

The new approach integrates the work of community project coordinators, regional employment coordinators and volunteer coordinators. The community coordinators operate throughout the country in 32 municipalities which are home to a high percentage of olim (or are settlements of high national priority). A national training seminar was held in May, marking the commencement of work.

After six months, the coordinators have succeeded in positioning themselves in the local municipalities, identifying the different community components and integrating the various bodies that deal with absorption in their geographic area of responsibility. Their work agenda concentrates on:

1. Recruiting volunteers to help the olim throughout their initial absorption process, including housing, initial errands such as opening a bank account, and registering for education and healthcare.
2. Assisting the olim in finding employment in accordance with their skills.
3. "At Home and Together" - we understand the importance of Israel's taking part in accompanying the olim through their first initial steps in Israel. The coordinator recruits veteran Israelis, trains them and gives them the tools to assist and accompany olim families. Israeli society has expressed an overwhelming readiness to participate in this important project.

"At Home and Together" Volunteer Program

The "At Home and Together" program, which was launched less than one year ago, is designed to "couple" olim with veteran olim or native Israelis. The impact on the olim, in helping them develop a friendship with someone close-by - somebody who knows the ropes - is tremendously valuable to their psychological well-being. These ties make an unparalleled contribution to both the olims' social absorption and the nurturing of a healthy social fabric in Israel.

The program is based on the value of shared responsibility, volunteerism and transforming aliyah into a publicly recognized national challenge.

Main Goals:

• To establish a firm infrastructure for the social absorption of olim.
• To facilitate the integration of olim into the Israeli workforce.
• To create informal and ongoing meetings between veteran and new olim families.

Employment

In the realm of the aliyah continuum, employment efforts are being stressed during the pre-aliyah stage. Private manpower companies are connected with potential olim, providing them with consultation and guidance. This project began operating in July, providing employment consultation before aliyah, with follow-up after arrival in Israel.

In the area of individual assistance, the Department is dealing with job placement of olim in a methodical way through regional employment coordinators, an Ethiopian employment coordinator and the special project coordinators in the local authorities.
Over the past 10 months, the regional coordinators have found job placements for some over 1,000 olim.

Employment Absorption Programs:

The Department's Employment Unit is developing new absorption projects that meet the needs of Israel's labor market and are suitable to the olim. In many cases, the olim begin their studies in their countries of origin, and are provided with housing after arriving in Israel to continue the program as olim.

• Car Mechanics Project - the initial two classes operated in Jerusalem and Hadera. The olim studying in Jerusalem have finished their studies and have all been placed in jobs in Jerusalem. In Hadera, the olim are still studying, but have all been placed in professional internships.
• Hightech Mechanics - a group of FSU olim arrived for this project in August, 2003 and are currently engaged in their Hebrew language studies.
• Project ORT - The olim begin their vocational studies in their countries of origin. Participants will acquire trades in: air-conditioning, refrigeration, and computer communications. In August 2003, 60 olim from Argentina, France, Russia and Ukraine arrived to Israel to continue their Hebrew and vocational studies.
• Nurses for the North - in June, 20 practical nurses from the FSU arrived to Israel and are now undergoing their professional licensing process. The olim are living in kibbutzim in the Galilee, under the auspices of the "First Home in the Homeland" program.
• IDF Medical Doctors - in December 2002, 22 young medical doctors made aliyah from Argentina. These doctors are in the process of taking their medical licensing exams, and will be placed as medical doctors in IDF field divisions for an 18-month period.
• Medical Doctors in Poriya Hospital - in January 2002, 15 medical doctors arrived from Argentina, Uruguay and Brazil. In March, seven out of the 15 passed their licensing exam and have already begun their internship program at the Poriya Hospital outside of Tiberias.
• Lawyers - in December 2002, 35 lawyers from France and Argentina came to Israel and are currently studying for professional re-licensing. The lawyers and their families live at the Ra'anana Absorption Center.
• Pharmacists Project - ten pharmacists from Argentina made aliyah in December, 2002 and are undergoing their professional licensing process in Ra'anana. Upon receiving their license they will be placed in different pharmaceutical chains.
• Early Childhood Home Environment Centers - this program was marketed abroad in September, and the first participants are expected to arrive in January 2004.

Additional Training Programs in Operation:

• Retraining Academics for Nursing Aides - this program is operated in nursing schools in the center of Israel. Academic olim, primarily from the FSU, learn for two years. Thirty-nine outstanding students each received a scholarship of NIS10,000 for one-year tuition.
• Training Public Bus Drivers -90 Ethiopian olim are participating in this project, and will attain a driving license for large public vehicles.
• Welder Training - twenty-two Ethiopian olim are participating in this course for welders - a profession in high demand in Israel.
• Plastic Industry Project - this program is training 21 olim from Argentina who reside in the North within the "First Home in the Homeland" project. The 11-month program, which started in September, combines studying with factory work.
• Employment for Young Adults in Distress - there are eight participants currently integrating into the labor market through this program.
• Vocational Training for Women - this program is for olim from Ethiopia and Caucasus who are training to be manicurists and to care for the elderly. The program is operating in Ashkelon and Netanya.
• Entrepreneur Groups - currently operating in various municipalities for men and women from Ethiopia.
• House Maintenance and Welders - vocational training for 38 olim from Ethiopia in Afula.
• Vocational Training for Single Olim Mothers - this program is to provide vocational training for single olim mothers from the FSU and Ethiopia in Beit Shemesh.
• Professional Fitness Trainers - this program is planned for 30 olim from the FSU.

Traditional and On-Going Absorption Programs

Absorption Centers

• There are currently 35 absorption centers operated by the Jewish Agency throughout Israel, 14 of which specifically cater to Ethiopian olim.
• Some 6,000 Ethiopian olim reside at the absorption centers.
• A total of some 16,000 olim received services at the Jewish Agency absorption centers from January to September, 2003.

Absorption of Ethiopian Olim

Bringing Ethiopian olim to independent and dignified living is our foremost goal during the time that Ethiopian olim are at our absorption centers. However, this is becoming more difficult in the light of the government's cutbacks, which most outstandingly have frozen the special mortgage grant for Ethiopians. As a result, in the last three months (July-September) no apartments were purchased. If this situation prevails, we fear that olim will not leave the absorption centers (which is extremely unhealthy for the olim themselves), and may leave us with no alternative but to open additional absorption centers for those olim who are on their way to Israel.

Presently, the government has decided to return the special mortgages. However, there will not be mortgages for elderly or single olim, again, causing them to stay in absorption centers for prolonged periods. Also, the allocated funds are not nearly enough to meet the need, meaning that we will again be at a standstill in the near future.

An additional reason causing Ethiopian olim to postpone their departure from the absorption centers is the delay in the conversion process (Ethiopian olim are reluctant to leave the absorption centers prior to concluding this process). The hold-up in the conversion process is being caused by insufficient personnel in the conversion court system.

Summer Camps and Ulpaniot for Ethiopian Children

Government cutbacks also impacted on the budgets traditionally available for summer camps. However, due to allocations received from the Israel Emergency Campaign, our absorption centers were able to run summer activities for 2,400 Ethiopian and other olim youngsters. In July, "learning" camps were organized in cooperation with the Ministry of Education and local municipalities. The children received special lessons by certified teachers in order to better prepare them for the upcoming school year. In August, the absorption centers ran summer camps for olim children focusing on enrichment programs using computer software. These summer camps were run in cooperation with the Compedia Software Company. Compedia, with our support, produced this educational software, which is also used throughout the year in the Etgarim educational program.

Enhanced Absorption Programs for Ethiopian Olim

Training Ethiopian Professionals

The adjustment to life in Israel for Ethiopian olim is overwhelming, and as is common to immigration patterns, the younger immigrants integrate at a much faster pace. The children and young adults quickly absorb into Israeli society, learning the language and the culture in school, and as a result the gap between the parents and their children widens. The traditional Ethiopian family structure, in which the elders were highly revered, has irrevocably changed, leaving in some cases suicides, family violence and juvenile delinquency. The Aliyah and Klitah 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-- Personal Advancement for Ethiopian Youth Olim: Expanding a teacher-training program with the Feuerstein Institute.
• Operating a support group for emergency situations through psychologists who speak the language, for families and young adults in the absorption centers.

Programs for Young Adults

Young adults are absorbed within the framework of the Jewish Agency at kibbutzim and various academic institutions. A small number come to Israel through direct absorption frameworks.

In the 2003 academic year, 1,360 olim were absorbed in young adult programs as follows:

• Selah FSU                                                                600     
• Atid Latin America                                                  160
• Kedma for Ethiopian Olim                                    200
• Special religious and academic programs      100
• Takah                                                                         300

These programs, in addition to being aliyah and klitah programs, provide young adults with a comprehensive and embracing absorption framework during their first year in Israel. They provide every young adult with an ulpan, complementary studies preparing them for higher education institutions and/or colleges, and a social network.

In the third quarter of 2003, we focused on evaluating the programs and modifying them in accordance with our findings. Moreover, all of the students in our study programs took national exams in Hebrew, mathematics and English so that we could have a clearer picture of their academic achievements, and pinpoint areas for improvement. The following changes have been adopted for the 2003-2004 academic year:

Rom Program: Will focus more on mathematics and English, based on the premise that English, Hebrew and mathematics are the most significant subjects for the young olim in their studies. In order to operate the Rom program, a national tender was conducted to identify a college and/or educational framework to provide these courses.

Selah (FSU): This is the 8th year of the Selah program. In the 2003-2004 school year, in conjunction with the Ministry of Education, it was decided to change the structure of the ulpan. In the new system, the ulpan enrichment program, the Jewish studies program and the cultural basket will be integrated throughout the duration of the program. The final certificate will relate to the achievements of each student in Hebrew, Jewish studies, mathematics and English.

The Institute for Jewish Studies: Enhancing Jewish Studies for Selah: In the current academic year (2003-2004), the Shorashim (Roots) program will be introduced to Selah. The Shorashim program is operated in cooperation with the Institute for Jewish Studies, whose goal is to teach these young adults about Jewish tradition and religion, and to raise their awareness about the various conversion options available to them in the early stages of their absorption. Shorashim recruits and identifies the youngsters abroad through seminars and weekend retreats.

The Shorashim program is operated for six-weekly hours during the course of the ulpan, in addition to weekend seminars. Some of the team counselors are traditional young adults who can serve as role models. At the end of their studies, Selah students can choose to continue their studies at an intensive one-month study program at a religious kibbutz, where they can prepare for their final conversion process at the rabbinical court.

The Institute for Jewish Studies is a joint body of the Jewish Agency and the government of Israel. The Jewish studies at the Institute are pluralistic, with the teachers coming from various streams of Judaism. All of the Selah students learn Jewish studies as part of their curriculum, whether they are in need of conversion or not.

Atid - Latin American

Atid is the Latin American version of the Selah program. The decrease in the number of olim from Latin America caused the Department to reassess and modify the program, in order to better suit the educational and social needs of these young adults. In the current academic year a new group of Atid students began their studies in September, and a second group is scheduled to arrive in December.

Atid - France

Over the years, the Department developed various study programs for young adults from France, but with little success. After assessing the current wave of aliyah, and the needs of the young adults, a new program called Atid Etzion was developed. Based in Jerusalem's Ulpan Etzion (a popular destination), it provides a religious, traditional environment within a study program preparing them for academic studies (without the need for a preparatory program). This program was marketed at the beginning of 2003 in France, and 45 young adults have recently arrived at Ulpan Etzion. We hope that based on the success of the current year, a greater number of young adults will sign up for the next academic year.

Kedma: Personal Advancement for Ethiopian Youth Olim

This program allows young adults from Ethiopia, in their first year of absorption, to study in an educational framework tailored not only to their level, but to their potential. The results of Kedma Aleph's first absorption year are highly impressive, with the Ethiopian students making progress way beyond our expectations. However, after three years of running Kedma, it was concluded that one year is not enough to enable the students to complete their education, and thus Kedma Bet was launched. Kedma Bet includes a second year of study that allows every young adult to complete 10-12 years of high school, and go on to complete their matriculation exams.

A number of the most successful students recently took exams for a continuing educational program within the framework of technological colleges. In 2003, the Kedma program was expanded to Arad, Carmiel and Tiberias, and an additional two groups are scheduled to begin later in the year.

Maintaining Contact with Graduates from Youth Study Programs

An important goal of the 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. A graduates' coordinator has joined the welfare section and the following work plan has been set forth:

• 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.
• Expanding the project, "Somebody to Run With" - a day center for wayward young adults operated through "Elem". Due to the increase in 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 for the rehabilitated participants. Support for this special program is provided by the New York-UJA Federation.

Ulpanim

Kibbutz Ulpan

There is no doubt that the uncertainty in Israel's security situation has had a detrimental impact on the number of participants in this program - more than other programs for this target population. In 2003, 106 classes were planned, but through mid-September, only 58 classes opened their doors with a total of 1,170 students. An additional 150 students study within religious frameworks. Until the end of 2003, 1,800 students are expected to be studying at Kibbutz Ulpan and religious institutes. In the last few months we have seen an increase in the number of tourists participating in the program.

Ulpan Aleph

From the beginning of 2003 until the end of September, 9,000 students studied in the framework of Ulpan Aleph, with some 3,500 students currently participating. We are continuing to witness a steady increase in the number of students in Ulpan Aleph, which are held in absorption centers, despite the general overall decrease of the total number of students. This reflects the advanced services and technology that is available in the absorption centers, as well as the stricter safety precautions (24-hour security).

Society, Culture and Jewish-Israeli Tradition

National and Regional Social and Cultural Activities from May, 2003

In addition to the activities within the absorption centers, there were mass events that contributed to the olim's connection to Israeli society and culture, and Jewish tradition and heritage:

• In Mid-May, 1000 olim youth within the framework of the young adult programs went on a study tour in the Negev and climbed Masada.
• In the beginning of June, hundreds of olim from Jerusalem and the Central Region came to Jerusalem for a day of touring, and participated in the Jerusalem Day ceremony at Ammunition Hill.
• In the middle of June, a Bar/Bat Mitzvah ceremony was held for olim in the Southern region, including a tour for parents and their children in the Negev.
• At the end of August, a similar Bar/Bat Mitzvah ceremony was held in the Northern region in a settlement close to the Lebanese border.
• In mid-September, 1,700 new olim and veteran Israeli young adults participated in the Zahala event for summer volunteers in Jewish communities abroad and volunteers working with olim throughout the year.
• At the end of September, a Masada event was held for 900 Kibbutz Ulpan students, including a tour of the Negev and climbing Masada.
• In mid-October, an event was held for hundreds of new olim and Israeli youth who are involved in volunteer activities under the slogan, "The Youth Salute to the Galilee".
• In mid-October, Jerusalem and the Central region held a Sport Day at Wingate Institute for hundreds of olim within the framework of Selah, Atid and Kedma.
• In December, young adults from Selah will participate in an event where they will receive their Israeli identity cards, and become official citizens of the State of Israel.
• During Chanukah, tours will be held for thousands of olim of all ages from absorption centers, to sites identified with Jewish heroism.
  

Absorption Center Friends Association

We welcome the increased influence and involvement of the volunteer "Friends Associations" of the Absorption Centers. The goal of the Friends Association is to raise awareness about the absorption centers' role in Israeli society, to promote the cultural and social integration of the olim, to raise awareness in Israeli society of Jewish Agency activities, and to provide additional support for these programs.

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"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, and other locations.

Highlights of Activities

• In 2003, 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 " (successful olim) to share their first-hand experience with 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.
• Municipal Direct Absorption programs have proven to be highly successful in Latin American countries, particularly Argentina.
• In addition to more established "Aliyah 2000" absorption programs in: 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, Ramle, Rehovot, and Yavniel.

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The goal of the Tnuat Aliyah section is to increase awareness, motivation and knowledge about aliyah and klitah possibilities, 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. These programs for tourists are an integral factor in the Aliyah-in-Stages approach of our work

Aliyah Encouragement Programs in Israel: A Statistical Overview January - September, 2003

Programs for the Former Soviet Union Olim

Keshet Program for Parents of Lone Soldiers

This program brings the parents of lone soldiers from the FSU to Israel. The parents come for a one-week pilot tour in which they travel through Israel, receive information concerning aliyah and participate in a joint weekend with their sons and daughters in the army. In the current year, 80 parents have participated in this program, and thanks to earmarked donations, a total of 155 parents will do so by year-end. This project has tremendous influence on the attitude of the parents toward aliyah and toward their children's participation in the IDF.

Manof Krovim

The goal of this program is to reach out to the parents and relatives of those young adults from the FSU who are currently in Jewish Agency programs in Israel without their families.

Manof Krovim is comprised of three stages:

1. Orientation meeting with the young adults in Israel so that they can send material on aliyah and absorption options to their family and friends.
2. Inviting officials from different government and public institutions to provide aliyah information.
3. Operating a hotline that enables the young adults and aliyah professionals to contact family and relatives in the FSU, and directly answer any questions concerning aliyah and life in Israel.

This year, the project was expanded to include youth from Argentina and Uruguay. Two hundred and eighty youth participated in this project, which includes cultural evenings, distribution of calling cards, sending special postcards to their families abroad and a videoconference with their families in Buenos Aires.

Noah's Ark

This year, a pilot tour from the FSU was designed for professionals aged 27-35. Forty-four people, including doctors, engineers and computer experts came to Israel for the first time. The 10-day tour included meeting with young olim and students. Out of the 44 participants, 27 expressed interest in making aliyah, and 17 of these emphasized that this pilot tour strengthened their desire to make aliyah.

Emphasis for 2003

This year, the focus for Tnuat Aliyah consisted of three major components:

1. Emphasis on Uruguay, Argentina and France.
   Similar to last year, special pilot tours were conducted for interested individuals (who have opened aliyah files). One hundred and fifty participants came from Argentina and Uruguay, and an additional 115 are scheduled to come from Argentina. Some 85 participants came from France (with 125 expected by the end of the year). This year, for the first time, a group of 20 participants arrived from Venezuela.
2. Countries of Distress
   Due to the situation in these countries, and the rise of the Islamic Movement, there was increased interest in learning about Israel. As a result, 130 people participated in pilot tours to Israel.
3. Aliyah Groups (Garinim)
   An important phenomenon that we have seen this year is the rise of aliyah groups (garinim). These aliyah groups are comprised of individuals who organize themselves as a group in their home countries and make aliyah together. The advantage is that they provide each other with an important social network both prior and after their aliyah. This year, three garinim made aliyah, which was preceded by special pilot tours to Israel: 31 olim from Nice, France; 16 from Montreal aged 20-30, and 16 from the French Bat Zion group.

Long-Term Programs

The Magen David Adom Ambulance Volunteer Program in Memory of Yochai Porat

To date, 180 volunteers have participated in the Magen David Adom program, with an estimated 300 volunteers to arrive by the end of 2003. The increase in the number of volunteers allowed for the placement of additional volunteers in Afula, Akko, Beit Shean, Eilat, Katzerin, Kiryat Gat, Nahariya, Rehovot, Rishon L'Zion, Shlomi, Tivon and Upper Nazareth.

In July there was a ceremony honoring the many volunteers, in the presence of the parents of Yochai Porat, the former MDA program director who was tragically killed by a terrorist while doing his reserve duty in the IDF. The program has been dedicated in his name.

The Israel Professional Internship Program

There are 147 professional volunteer interns from all over the world who are placed in jobs in high tech, research, hospitals, communication and the Knesset. This is a marked increase from the 120 volunteers who came in 2002. In July, a conference was held to thank the interns as well as their employers. The interns spoke about the influence this program has had on their lives and on their decision to make aliyah.

Fairs and Information Days

Throughout June, July and August a number of fairs and activities were held for birthright israel groups, Israel Experience groups and various youth movements. These activities included meeting with program participants, bringing speakers and professionals to provide relevant information, university tours, kibbutz ulpan and hands-on Israel experience activities.

From July-August, 2003 more than 4,000 people participated in these fairs.

Activities for French Jewish Tourists

In August, 10,000 French tourists came to Israel for their summer holiday, with the majority vacationing in Eilat. The aliyah movement, together with the Southern region held extensive activities in Eilat which included:

1. Hotel Information Booths
   The Jewish Agency placed information booths in the seven major hotels at which the French tourists resided. Representatives from the Jewish Agency manned the booths and gave out flyers, brochures and booklets on different subjects relating to aliyah and programs for young adults in Israel.
2. Real Estate Fair
   An information booth was placed at the Real Estate Fair sponsored by the French-Israel Chamber of Commerce held in August in Eilat.
3. Special Activities
   Intensive activities were held with birthright israel participants who were in Eilat. These participants are potential candidates for long-term programs and for higher education programs in Israel. The activities included program presentations, including volunteers from Magen David Adom in Eilat.

Large fairs were also held in Netanya, Ashdod, Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, which were organized by the UNIFAN (French olim association).

Special Activities

• This year, upon request by the Israel Civil Defense, tourists in Israel joined the effort to pack gas masks prior to the Iraq War. Together, over 800 olim from various absorption centers and ulpanim worked with tourists from abroad to carry out this important task.
• Seventy-seven volunteers came on their own to Israel to volunteer in welfare institutions in Israel, such as hospitals, working with children, teaching English, working in absorption centers and doing civil guard duty.

"Aliyah-in-Stages"

Individual and personal treatment was provided to participants in a number of programs in order to encourage aliyah and their connection with Israel. The Department identified the participants of various programs in Israel and gave them information, support and consultation on issues of aliyah. During the last half-year, many participants made aliyah and others continued on additional programs.

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Olim Associations are the bridge connecting new olim with Israeli society. Improving the services provided by the Olim Associations eases the absorption process of olim and helps relay a positive message to those in their home country who are considering aliyah.

General Background

• The budget for the 25 Olim Associations for 2003 was $2,738,000.
• In keeping with the new model for allocations, the Jewish Agency only supports activities that are related to initial absorption and aliyah encouragement. As a result of this, the Olim Associations are focusing on the following activities:
  1. Meeting olim at the airport upon their arrival to Israel.
  2. Providing relevant information both verbally and in writing in the language of the oleh.
  3. Visiting the oleh in their first home.
  4. Accompanying the oleh in all areas of absorption such as employment, housing and education.
  5. Celebrating the holidays with the oleh.

New Projects

"Home and Together" Absorption Program (See Section on Absorption )

Employment Counseling

A new employment headquarters for the Olim Associations was established earlier in the year, in conjunction with the Council for Immigrant Organizations. The goal is to identify employment opportunities for olim, and assist in their integration into the Israeli workforce. The program is based at our 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, ages 17-28, to integrate into Israeli society. Activities include encouraging the olim to create ties and friendships with their Israeli peers through joint activities, such as the olim teaching the Israelis Spanish and the Israelis assisting the olim with Hebrew, volunteering in the Civil Guard, and more.

Highlights of Activities

• Establishment of information centers in cooperation with the Olim Associations that provides information to olim and tourists in a number of languages.
• The establishment of study centers for managers and volunteers in the Associations that assist them to enhance the professionalism of their activities.
• Strengthening and formalizing the connection between the Associations and the various departments of the Jewish Agency. Two joint forums have been established for planning and for joint activities with the Olim Associations.
• The production of two booklets providing useful information for the Associations:
  1. Operating an Olim Association Branch.
  2. Recruiting and Operating Volunteers in Olim Associations.
• In order to expose the overall activities of the Olim Associations to Israeli society and to the Board of Governors, a booklet has been produced in English describing the various activities and the contribution of the Olim Associations in encouraging and absorbing aliyah.
• In 2003, most of the activities of the Olim Associations Section have focused on encouraging aliyah and absorption of olim from Argentina and France.

The Council for Immigrant Organizations

The Council for Immigrant Organizations serves as an umbrella organization for the Olim Associations, providing support, and lobbying for the various needs of the olim:

• Establishing an "employment headquarter" which will assist olim in finding employment.
• Providing public supervision on the various institutions that deal with aliyah and absorption.
• Operation of a support project for lone soldiers in which an Israeli family adopts them, including visits on IDF family days.
• Joining the hasbara efforts of the State of Israel in their respective home countries.
• Operating a lobby in the Knesset to cancel the tax reform decision which negatively affects aliyah from the West.

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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.

Initiating and Conducting Research, Surveys and Focused Feedback

Research completed in 2003

• Survey on the satisfaction level of olim who received assistance from Nefesh B'Nefesh.
• Identifying the influencing factors on the decision to make aliyah from the FSU: Focus Groups.
• Survey on veteran olim seeking employment.
• Evaluating the Kedma model for absorbing young adults from Ethiopia.

Continuing Research and Projects in 2003

• Studies on the aliyah and absorption projects within the framework of "Partnership 2000", in conjunction with the Israel Department.
• Evaluating the "Mechanics Project".
• Evaluating research on the "First Home in the Homeland" program.
• Research of Argentinean olim in the Northern region.
• Research on Olim Associations.

Information Dissemination

• Distributing research findings and evaluating the conclusions with the department, regional and field staff as a basis for operational conclusions.
• Collecting and distributing research and scientific publications on aliyah that comes from sources outside the department, in Israel and around the world.

On-Going Planning and Evaluation

• Providing support to departmental units in development of annual work plans.
• Initiating and operating "think-tanks" in order to advance strategic planning processes, including the preparation of position and policy papers.
• Providing strategic support for departmental reorganization and structural changes.
• Monitoring/assessing the 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.

Ongoing Planning and Development

• Aliyah encouragement model in light of the competition between Israel and alternate immigration places, especially among the FSU immigrants in Western countries.
• "Communal aliyah" and "communal klitah" in the local authorities.
• A computerized question and answer system for interested aliyah candidates.

The Information, Planning and Evaluation Section is a partner in the general planning processes of the Jewish Agency, in cooperation with the Jewish Agency Unit for Research and Strategic Planning.

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The Publications and Information Section provides production and consultation services in approximately 10 different languages for the marketing of departmental programs and activities. It also produces and distributes relevant information for tourists and potential olim. Working in conjunction with the Department's staff, the Section produces booklets, brochures, posters, CD's, and videos, as well as managing the Department's web site in four different languages. This year more than 90 different publications were produced.

The extent of these activities is reflected in the increased amount of material sent out in 2003. Since the beginning of January to the end of October, more then 30 tons of material has been sent to a variety of destinations throughout the world. To date, the Section has supplied material to shlichim and aliyah representatives for their day-to-day activities, as well as for the increased number of Aliyah, Israel and Student Fairs held worldwide. These countries include Argentina, France, Uruguay, Venezuela, Mexico, Chile, Peru, Belgium, Holland, Sweden, Germany, Turkey, UK, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Romania, Hungary, Poland, Slovenia and the FSU.

The information provided 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 Section is periodically involved in providing relevant updates and information that reflect the work of the department.

Recent Promotional Material

• Audio-visual and computer presentations are prominent in our work. We are continuing with the production of a number of relevant films in various languages. This year we have produced films in Amharic, English, Spanish, French and Russian, on a variety of subjects.
• Some of our audio-visual and written materials have been made into CD-Rom format. Currently they are available in Russian, Spanish and English.
• The Department's four Internet sites have been redesigned and surfers have access to updated information in Russian, English, Spanish and French.
• Eight new publications in German, which were used in the Israel Fairs that were held in Berlin.
• Production of publications in Russian and English for Russian-speakers in Western countries. Our "Gorozonti" magazine for students and young adults, is now available in electronic as well as CD-interactive format.

"At Home and Together" publicity campaign, designing the slogan, and producing brochures in five different languages, posters, postcards and letterheads.

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Last updated: Sunday, November 23, 2003