Israel has begun preparations ahead of a possible increase in the number of immigrants from Russia following President Vladimir Putin's announcement of a partial military mobilization.
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Prime Minister Yair Lapid spoke with El Al official Shlomi Am Shalom shortly before taking off for New York on Wednesday to ensure that direct flights from Russia to Moscow not only do not decrease but perhaps even increase.
According to officials, the total number of reservists drafted in the partial mobilization is 300,000. Contrary to some countries, in Russia any healthy person over the age of 27, even those who did not serve in the military, could be mobilized. The war in Ukraine is reaching nearly seven months and the Russian military is said to be losing ground on the battlefield.
In 2021, over 23,000 immigrants arrived in Israel from Russia, about 47% of all new olim, a significant increase from the year before. This year, the war in Ukraine as well as the dispute over the activities of the Jewish Agency, which promotes aliyah to Israel, might also contribute to considerations.
Israel is one of the only countries that continues to operate direct flights to and from sanctioned Russia, and as such, has already increased the number of flights to the country. Often, travelers use Israel as a layover to get from Russia to other countries. Nevertheless, even with the increase, tickets are not always easy to come by.
Director-General of the Foreign Ministry Alon Ushpiz said authorities have already begun preparations.
"Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Yair Lapid has instructed us to accept new immigrants from Russia. This requires assessments on many levels, from flights to entry visas and reception in the country. We work in full cooperation with the government ministries, our people at the Russian embassy, and of course the El Al company that flies to Russia," he said.
