Influx of Soviet Immigrants Pose Problems in Employment, Politics

The heavy influx of Jewish immigrants from the Soviet Union is posing problems of employment and polities. The Israel Labor Party is upset over the fact that only a small number of the newcomers are Joining its ranks while many more of them give their political allegiance to either the right-wing Herut opposition party or the Orthodox National Religious Party.

Yonna Kesse has resigned as chairman of the Russian Immigrants Association for “personal” reasons. It is believed, however, that he was irked by the criticism of Labor Party leaders that insufficient attention was being given the recruitment of the Russian emigres to Labor Party ranks.

FEW JOBS FOR SPECIALISTS

At the came time, difficulties have been experienced in finding Jobs for physicians and dentists arriving here from the USSR. This problem came up at a meeting of emigre physicians called by the Histadrut Sick Fund last week. A similar meeting was held by the Association of Russian Immigrants last night and another has been called by the Israel Medical Association for next week.

At the first of the meetings it was claimed that there was no employment problem for immigrating physicians because continuing immigration will increase the demand for their services. It developed, however, that many of the doctors are specialists in fields that are not particularly needed in this country. In addition, many dentists from the USSR have been unable to find employment.

Health Minister Victor Shemtov announced last night that special courses will be given to train specialists in unwanted fields of medicine for other fields. He said absorption and re-training centers would be established at every large hospital. He also said that attempts will be made to organize dentists into cooperatives where they could set up clinics.