The new director-general of the Jewish Agency’s immigrant absorption department told newsmen today that the security situation in Israel was not affecting immigration. He predicted an influx of from 36,000-40,000 newcomers in 1969 compared to just over 30,000 in 1968. Gen. Uzi Narkiss, who commanded the paratroop brigade that captured East Jerusalem from Jordan in the Six-Day War, said that Arab terrorists have not succeeded in disrupting “normal” life in Israel. He added that Israeli security forces were stronger than ever.
Gen. Narkiss said the processing of immigration had become more efficient citing the establishment of telex communications between the Jewish Agency in Jerusalem and aliyah (immigration) centers abroad. He said about 1,500 immigrants were expected from Britain this year and about 7,000 from North Africa. Gen. Narkiss added that “immigrants are now reaching Israel from sources that could not have been anticipated only a few months ago,” but did not specify what they were.
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