The migration of Jews to Israel from strife-torn Morocco and Tunisia is running at a “significantly higher rate” this year than in 1955, with figures for the first three months of 1956 showing a better than 41 percent increase over those who left these North African countries during the same period last year, it was reported today by Rabbi Herbert A. Friedman, executive vice-chairman of the United Jewish Appeal.
Rabbi Friedman noted that 11,128 men, women and children were helped by agencies of the United Jewish Appeal to emigrate from these lands during the first quarter of the year, as against the 6,490 who were helped by the UJA in the first three months of 1955. He pointed out in addition that each of the first three months of the year saw a marked rise in the number of departures, with 3,616 in January, 4,020 in February, and 4,523 in March.
“With continued strong support of this year’s United Jewish Appeal campaign, there is every likelihood that this rate of emigration can be sustained, “he declared, adding that “if it is, the original plan of providing for the movement of 45,000 men, women and children will be exceeded by 5,000.” Rabbi Friedman emphasized that “despite the danger of war that hangs over Israel, the Jews of North Africa show small inclination to remain where they are.”
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The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
