Israel is changing course and refocusing aliyah efforts from former Soviet Union countries to Western nations, such as France and the United States, Israel Hayom has learned.
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Aliyah and Integration Minister Ofir Sofer has recommended the redistribution of the budget, which will see funds meant to promote aliyah from the former Soviet bloc slashed almost in half, from 8 to 4.5 million dollars. The newly available funds will be directed to encourage aliyah first and foremost from France.
A senior ministry official explained to Israel Hayom that there was simply no need to encourage aliyah from Eastern Europe, as the Ukraine war led to a mass migration to Israel.
"Since the outbreak of the war, 100,00 people from Ukraine and Russia moved to Israel," the official explained.
In contrast, the official said, Israel has seen a steady decline of aliyah from Western nations, partially due to a lack of encouragement by the ministry.
"We have seen a consistent decrease both from France, where there are about 200,000 Jews, and from the US. There was no effort on Israel's part of the Jewish Agency to promote immigration from these countries. Since the nations of the former Soviet Union already have mass immigration following the war, it is more correct to direct the state efforts where they are required."
The official stressed that the change will not impact those making aliyah from former Soviet Union countries, and olim "will continue to enjoy the benefits that immigrants from those nations receive today."
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