Rivlin Says Jewish Agency Reduced Expenses, Eliminated 700 Jobs

Moshe Rivlin, director general of the Jewish Agency, reported that a substantial reduction of expenses has been effected since a savings and efficiency committee was appointed by the Agency Executive two years ago. He said that cut-backs are continuing in an effort to avoid waste and duplication.

Rivlin told the Jewish Telegraphic Agency yesterday that the Jewish Agency has 411 fewer employes than it had two years ago. He said that 700 jobs had been eliminated and 400 employes were retrenched in the past year alone. But the net reduction in personnel amounted to only 100 last year because 300 new employes were hired. Rivlin explained that the new employes were engaged only after a thorough examination by the efficiency committee determined that they were essential.

He cited as additional cost-cutting measures a 25 percent reduction in mileage allowances for Jewish Agency and World Zionist Organization employes required to travel; a reduction in missions abroad by WZO officials and a half million dollar saving in the operation of the Agency’s European offices. Rivlin also noted that all publications in connection with Israel’s 28th Independence Day celebrations were published by a single office to eliminate duplication. The efficiency committee, appointed by Leon Dulzin while he was Jewish Agency and WZO Executives acting chairman is headed by Moshe Haskel.