About 10,000 More Immigrants Than Expected Arrived in Israel in 1969

The chairman of the Jewish Agency announced today that slightly more than 40,000 immigrants arrived in Israel during 1969, about 10,000 more than expected when the year began. Louis A. Pincus said at a news conference that 40 percent of the newcomers last year were from Western countries which “is a very big step forward as regards the quality of manpower being made available through immigration.”

Mr. Pincus credited the Jewish Agency’s immigrant absorption department for what he called an “unprecedented upswing of those who come voluntarily from affluent countries.” Replying to questions, he said Deputy Premier Yigal Allon’s view that the Government’s Absorption Ministry should take over the entire immigration and absorption process was “unrealistic.” Mr. Allon made such a proposal when he headed the Absorption Ministry in the old government last year. He is now Minister of Education but sits on the joint Government-Jewish Agency committee on immigration. The Jewish Agency is responsible for the immigration process and the initial absorption of newcomers. The Government assumes responsibility for the later stages. Mr. Pincus contended that the Absorption Minister has so far not been able to fulfill his responsibility with regard to finding jobs and permanent housing for immigrants.

He said that in 1969, 6,500 immigrants came from North America, 5,400 from France and about 2,000 each from Great Britain and Latin America. He said 60,000 immigrants are expected during 1970.