In anticipation of the arrival of 100,000 immigrants in Israel this year, instead of the 55,000 originally planned for, the Jewish Agency’s budget will be increased by 65,000,000 pounds to a new record total of 250,000,000 pounds. Avraham Harman, member of the Agency executive, told newsmen today following the conclusion of the four-day plenary meeting of the Agency executive.
The four days of study and debate were devoted chiefly to the financial aspects of immigration and absorption problems. It was announced at the end of the sessions that regional fund-raising conferences will be held in the next few weeks. The first, a European parley to be held in Paris at the end of this month, will hear Israel Finance Minister and various Agency executive members. It will be followed by a Latin American parley in Buenos Aires.
Mr. Harman spoke of the “excellent success” of united appeal campaigns outside the United States. He reported that although the goal for these campaigns had been set at $10,000,000 for the entire fiscal year, it had already passed the $11,000,000 mark. However, he pointed out, the greater needs of the immigration program will require considerably increased, receipts from the United Jewish Appeal and larger loan commitments abroad by the Jewish Agency.
The cost of housing for the additional 45,000 immigrants is estimated at 46,000,000 pounds, Mr. Harman said. He reported that the Agency is negotiating with a foreign contracting company to erect 10,000 housing units in Israel to be built on a long-term 30,000,000 pound loan. The Agency has also established a 2,000,000 pound loan fund available to middle class immigrants for the purchase of apartments in the cities.
While the Jewish Agency is taking on the burden of immigration transportation costs, first reception and assistance, and housing costs, the Israel Government is assuming responsibility for the crucial problem of employment for the newcomers. In line with this, he indicated, the government is preparing a program for submission to Parliament. He listed the following three joint Agency-Government programs to provide employment:
1. A general expansion of agricultural production, sparked by further intensification farming on currently arable lands; 2. Bringing more hilly areas under cultivation; and, 3. The absorption of immigrants into existing collective and smallholders settlements.
In line with the plan for bringing the immigrants into the kibbutzim and moshavim, the Agency and the government will provide new housing for the immigrants, but the settlements will find them employment and provide all social services. If at the end of a year a trial the immigrants are not receptive to settlement life, they will be able to leave and still receive all the rights and assistance given new immigrants.
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