The Zionist Executive plenary meeting here last week decided on a new approach for the Zionist movement regarding emigration from Western countries. The plenary proposed that encouragement for aliya become the center of activities of Zionist organizations working closely with Jewish communities and organizations in the diaspora. The decision was reached after a lengthy debate on aliya problems following the Yom Kippur War. The new approach will include the organization of special “immigration months” beginning Jan.
Leon Dulzin, acting chairman of the Jewish Agency, called upon Premier Golda Meir to urge ministers, public figures and senior officers to take an active part in the activities to encourage aliya. In addition to drives abroad, there is a special immigration drive among volunteers who came to Israel since the war.
Mordechai Bar-On. head of the Youth and Hechalutz Department, said his department was expecting some 7000 volunteers from the U.S., Europe and other countries, most of them scheduled to work in kibbutzim and moshavim. There are presently 4000 volunteers in Israel and some 40,000 registered in the department offices overseas.
Dulzin reported that discussions have been held between the government and the Jewish Agency concerning the possibility of building special apartments for singles and for young volunteers who would like to remain in Israel as immigrants. One suggestion calls for special immigrant quarters in Beersheba and Safad in addition to small trade and arts and crafts centers.
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