500 American Scientists and Professionals Helped Togo to Israel

The immigration to Israel of over 500 American scientists and professionals was facilitated by the New York office of PATWA, professional and technical workers’ Aliya, during the five years of its existence, it was reported here today at the conclusion of the three-day annual PATWA conference.

The PATWA organization, which is a part of the Youth Department of the Jewish Agency, encourages the immigration of professional workers to Israel and assists them during their first months in the country. Speakers at the conference reviewed Israel’s scientific achievements and provided first and information on employment opportunities, housing and other aspects of life in Israel.

The featured speaker at the conference was Dr. Ephraim Lahav, scientific counsellor to the Israel Embassy in Washington, who reported on “Current Programs in Scientific Development in Israel.” Ralph Goldman, former director of the Technical Assistance Department in Prime Minister David Ben Gurion’s office, spoke on “Point Four and the UN: International Contributions to the Technical Development of Israel.”

The conference also heard an address by Avraham Schenker, member of the Jewish Agency executive, who pointed out that despite the arrival of a significant number of professionals and other specialists from Eastern European countries, Israel still needs American trained scientists for her expanding laboratories, hospitals and industrial plants. “There are certain fields of professional activity in which American training and experience are unique.” Mr. Schenker declared, “and in these fields Israel offers many employment possibilities for qualified immigrants from the United States.”

Abraham Cohen, director of PATWA’s New York office reported that he continues to receive many inquiries from professionals and scientists in the United States and Canada which reflect continued interest in immigration to Israel. He indicated that arrangements for the reception of immigrants from Western countries are steadily growing. “This has the effect of easing the transfer to a new environment and gives the newcomers a head start in the adventure of living in Israel,” he said.