Finance and Commerce Minister Pinhas Sapir called on American Jews today to increase greatly their giving through the United Jewish Appeal to help meet the costs of the heavy current immigration to Israel.
Addressing the 120-member UJA Study Mission, he said: “Let me tell you frankly that the UJA share in our obligations is becoming smaller and smaller in percentage yet increased UJA funds are vital to us.” He emphasized that the Government had to take over some Jewish Agency responsibilities because of the heavy financial strain on the Agency.
He disclosed that Israel taxpayers would have to pay about $100,000,000 this year as their part in helping the absorption of immigrants. He added that “until we can say that no more immigrants are coming, until we achieve completed absorption, so long will we be turning to you for your help.” The Finance Minister included in his address a review of Israel’s expanding economy, stressing the “tremendous progress” in the last several years.
The Mission members also heard a report by Ranaan Weitz, Jewish Agency agricultural settlement head, who outlined the dramatic plan for settlement of the central Galilee, a plan calling for the establishment of 35 new settlements over the next decade. The Mission members heard Mr. Weitz in Meron, a town in the northern Galilee region.
During the day, the Mission members switched their base from Beersheba and the Negev northwards. Divided into three groups, they visited a number of settlements in Galilee development areas, as well as townships settled by new immigrants.
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