A new Knesset caucus will encourage aliyah from Western countries.
The Knesset Caucus for Western Aliyah, which held its inaugural meeting Tuesday, will try to enhance the welfare of immigrants from Western countries who are making an “aliyah of choice.”
Knesset members from the entire political spectrum taking part in the meeting were joined by representatives of private aliyah organizations including Nefesh B’Nefesh and the French group AMI, as well as the Jewish Agency.
“We have to work towards making Diaspora Jews understand that Israel can be a place where they can integrate successfully,” said Knesset member Yoel Hasson, one of two chairmen of the caucus.
Knesset member Gilad Erdan, the other chairman, said the new lobby will “raise awareness among officials and decision makers in order to ease the absorption process. When Diaspora Jewry understands that people at the highest levels of the country view aliyah as a top priority, it will significantly encourage their decision to make aliyah.”
Erez Halfon, the director general of the Ministry of Immigrant Absorption, announced his ministry will invest about $25 million into activities that encourage aliyah.
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