Nineteen sailors detained by Canadian immigration authorities for ship-jumping and other violations have applied for Israel citizenship. In a petition forwarded to the Israel Consul here–which noted that they had been placed under detention prior to deportation–the sailors said:
“With the greatest interest and enthusiasm, we have read the greatest news in history–that Israel extends naturalization. We have pledged with honesty to abide by all laws and privileges extended to us after a thorough investigation by your officials.”
The sailors represent seven religions and listed their nationalities as two Australians, one Armenian, one Dane, two Dutchmen, one Estonian, two Finns, one Greek, one German, one Italian, two Letts, one Mexican, three Swedes and one stateless person. The Israel Consul here pointed out to the sailors that no foreign national can acquire Israel citizenship before settling in Israel.
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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.