Israel’s small population of Vietnamese refugees — boat people was doubled yesterday with the arrival of 197 more refugees approved by the government for settlement here. The newcomers landed at Ben Gurion Airport in a flight from Athens. Most had been confined to refugee camps in Singapore and Hong Kong. A number were picked up at sea by the Israeli containership Zim Sydney.
A leader of the new group thanked the Israeli people, the government and Premier Menachem Begin in particular for admitting them. The group was taken to the absorption center at Shaeroth where they will rest and receive instruction in various parts of the country where housing and jobs are available. Israel’s policy of helping the Vietnamese refugees has been beneficial to the country. They have earned a good reputation as workers and have many job offers. The refugees include many highly qualified doctors, engineers, technicians and pilots.
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