Begin Urges American Jewish Youth to Settle in Israel “by the Thousands”

Premier Menachem Begin called on American Jews, especially the young generation, to come to Israel an aliya “by the thousands.” He made the appeal in an address here last night to an aliya assembly attended by 621 American Jews who are committed to immigrate to Israel during 1981-82.

The gathering at the Hunter College Playhouse, was the first time a Prime Minister of Israel addressed potential American olim. It was sponsored by the Israel Aliya Center and the North American Aliya Movement.

“The greatness of this aliya is its idealism, ” Begin said, noting that the future olim are leaving the material comforts of America and coming to Israel because of their belief in Zionism and their desire to live in the land of Israel. “My heart is filled with pride,” he told his audience, comparing them to the Bilu, the pioneer Jewish settlement movement in Palestine in the late 19th Century. He cautioned the new olim however that Israel is facing many difficulties — economic, social and security.

DESCRIBES CHALLENGE, DANGERS

But, he told them, they will be coming to Israel to face the challenge of building the country. He added, to applause, “You will build the country in Galilee, in Judaea and Samaria.” He pointed out that although peace has been achieved with Egypt, Israel’s major adversary, Israel still faces threats to its security. He said that on its eastern front, Israel is confronted by the combined power of 5500 tanks. He said the people of Israel must always be prepared to defend the country and be prepared to fight “our wars because we don’t want others to do it for us.”

Begin also referred to the danger of “that organization” — an obvious reference to the Palestine Liberation Organization, that still “strives to liquidate the ‘Zionist entity.”

“We want you to know the reality before you come to live with us, ” Begin declared. He said Israel is “a good country to live in” and offers a life with “a sense of mission to its citizens.” He said that upon his return to Israel, he will bring the message of this aliya assembly to the people of Israel. “Let more and more come to Israel, following in your footsteps,” Begin said. “Let the word get to the thousands of young people in this country.” He concluded in Hebrew: “Get up and come to Zion. May God be with you.”

KOTLOWITZ REPORTS AMERICAN ALIYA DOWN

Meanwhile, Raphael Kotlowitz, head of the Jewish Agency’s Immigration and Absorption Department reported here that the number of American olim to Israel was 20 percent lower this year than last year. The figure of 1979 was 3289.

Kotlowitz spoke at a press conference for Israeli reporters at Jewish Agency headquarters here late Thursday after returning from a four-day aliya conference at the Paramount Hotel in Sullivan County, N.Y. He said that 30 shlichim (emissaries) attended that meeting and that he was “very impressed” with them “and the quality of their work.” He said the conference dealt with ways and means to increase the number of olim. He said it was concluded at that meeting “that the task of the shalioch will be easier if the various Jewish communities will be actively involved with the issue. For that purpose we have already started to establish ‘aliya councils’ with the cooperation of the local leaders of Jewish communities and their members,” Kotlowitz said.

On the issue of yordim — Israelis who emigrate to live abroad — the Jewish Agency official said “We had a very serious debate … We concluded that first and foremost we have to approach the children of the yordim. Through them we can reach the parents.” He reported that in 1979, 3850 yordim returned to Israel and so far this year 2524 have returned. However, 12,000 Israelis left the country this year against a total aliya in 1980 of 26,000.