More than 500 Americans settled in Israel during 1957, it was reported here today by Louis Segal, chairman of the Aliyah Department of the Jewish Agency in New York. He emphasized that this is the largest figure in any year since 1951.
The report disclosed that the total number of immigrants from the United States, Canada and South America who came to Israel since the establishment of the state is estimated at 10, 000 persons. He emphasized that the Jewish Agency and the Israel authorities are making every effort to facilitate the settlement of Americans in Israel. Among recent steps taken in this direction, he said, are better exchange rates, abolishment of cumbersome custom regulations, and a more liberal policy in granting import licenses.
Mr. Segal reported that among the Americans who emigrated to Israel in 1957 were the following: 102 chalutzim: 164 professionals; 47 skilled workers; 52 middle class immigrants and 68 retired persons. He stressed that these American immigrants are bringing not only valuable training and technical know-how but also a significant amount of capital to Israel. He estimated that the combined declared capital of American middle class immigrants to Israel in 1957 amounted to over $250,000 while retired immigrants brought a combined capital of some $300, 000 and an annual income from social security and pensions totalling $65,000.
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