Jewish Agency Executive Gets Draft Budget Based on Reorganization

Aryeh L. Pincus, chairman of the Jewish Agency executive, presented to the executive today the Agency’s draft budget for 1967-68. Although no details were disclosed, it was believed that the new budget was based on the departmental reorganization plan approved yesterday at the Agency’s plenary session.

The budget was understood to be slightly more than $105,000,000, smaller by 12-1/2 percent than the current budget of $120,000,000. The new budget was understood to be based on the assumption there would be 1,000 fewer Jewish Agency employes next year. Mr. Pincus said, in presenting the budget, that no new debts would be incurred by the Agency for the first time in many years. The budget was expected to be approved with only minor changes.

Earlier today, the joint Israel Government-Agency coordinating committee met under the chairmanship of Premier Levi Eshkol to consider ways to encourage and increase immigration from western countries. Mr. Pincus informed Mr. Eshkol about the Agency’s reorganization decisions. Debate followed on the proposals submitted previously by the Agency.

These proposals dealt with both the Agency’s and the Government’s functions in the important fields of customs, schooling, national insurance and labor. The coordinating body decided to turn the proposals over to a subcommittee for elaboration. The subcommittee will begin meetings next week.

The plenary heard a plea against cutting budget allocations for the Agency’s Youth and Hechalutz department from a delegation of Halutzic World Young Organizations. Members of the delegation submitted data to show that their activities in other countries actually fostered immigration, particularly to Israeli collectives.

The delegation consisted of secretaries of Habonim, Hashomer Hatzair, Dror, Bnai Akiba and Hanoar Hatizioni. Mr. Pincus promised their views would be given serious consideration during the Agency’s budget debate.