Knesset Lobby promoting Aliyah from Western countries and the formulation of a national program to address the issue western Aliyah was brought before the Prime Minister

Gilad Erdan and Yoel Hason initiated discussions in the Knesset today to encourage Aliyah from western countries.

Gilad Erdan – Chairman, Lobby for the Encouragement for Aliyah from the West: One of the greatest challenges facing the state of Israel is how to encourage Aliyah from western countries. This region encompasses approximately 8 million Jews. This Aliyah has it's own unique characteristics and we have to change the mindset. We all want to encourage Aliyah, so we must create a common ground between the government, Knesset, and private organizations. There needs to be increased awareness amongst decision makers in order ease the absorption process. We must make it clear to the Jewish community that we want them more than anyone else. Once the Diaspora Jews understand that that the leaders of the government in Israel are strongly involved in promoting western Aliyah, they will be more inclined to make decision to make Aliyah. The aim of this lobby is to bring about legislation to provide tax grants for Olim, in order to shrink the wage gap between western countries and Israel, so that Olim can continue practicing the professions they practiced in their previous countries.

Yoel Hasson – Chairman, Lobby for the Encouragement for Aliyah from the West: Based on meetings with various Jewish communities, the impression is that these communities do consider the option of Aliyah to Israel. We must create the image that Israel is a place where one can successfully integrate. More and more Jews are choosing to purchase apartments in Israel and this is a step in the right direction.

Stas Misezhnikov – Chairman, Finance Committee- As a response to the lobby, we will consider increasing the budget and allocating funds towards promoting the advancement of Aliyah from the western world.

Shlomo (Neguse) Molla – MK-Likud: There is certainly a need to focus on Aliyah from western countries, for there is currently a terribly high assimilation rate in the western world. Only a small percent of these people come to visit Israel. 60% of these people have not visited Israel at all. The real challenge facing the State of Israel is the challenge of bringing the next generation of Zionism to Israel.

Zeev Bielski - Head of the Jewish Agency­: The agency supports this lobby. The federation has been in existence for over 80 years and has brought approximately 3 million Jews to Israel. In recent years the nature of Aliyah has changed from being an Aliyah of despair, to an Aliyah of choice. The agency has made provisions taking these changes into account. We will cooperate with the lobby to encourage Aliyah.

Erez Halfon – Director-General of the Ministry of Absorption: Action should be taken on all levels to improve the amount of Aliyah to Israel, specifically from upper class countries. Alongside the development of an attractive absorption program for western Olim, the Ministry of Absorption will invest approximately 90 million NIS over the course of 2008 towards initiatives encouraging Aliyah, in order to fully utilize the large Aliyah potential that exists in western countries.

Danny Ayalon – Chairman of Nefesh B'Nefesh: Zionism came about through hard work, an ingathering of the exiles, and redemption of the land. There is a recognition here that the spirit of Zionism has not yet left the core Jewish communities; people are leaving their "luxury pots" and coming to build up the land. Until now we've brought 14,000 Jews, and there are 26,000 waiting to come. I believe that in the near future 100,000 Jews will come from western countries.

Ron Nachman – Mayor of Ariel: Between 1990 and 1995, 8000 Jewish scientists came from the Soviet Union to Israel. As a result of the Treasury’s inability to budget projects and provide the proper tools, most of these scientists are now residing in the United States. This is a huge asset that we lost. The knowledge of the absorption process is in the hands of the Municipal Authorities. We are the ones who assist the Olim in their daily absorption.

Avi Zana – Director-General AMI: The decision to make Aliyah is not based on an effort to raise living standards; rather it is based on a Zionistic ideology. If we do not act soon, we will lose the next generation. Unfortunately there is currently potential for a huge assimilation tragedy.

Lobbyist Gilad Erdan: The aim of this deliberation is the creation of a national program, to improve the state of Aliyah from western countries. This project will take place through joint collaboration between the Knesset, local representatives, the Ministry of Immigrant Absorption, the Jewish Agency and other organizations. The Jewish Agency will work with the Prime Minister and other officers. The next meeting in regards to this lobby will take place within a month; where we will come up with the exact legislation and a course of action to be taken by the government in regards to Aliyah.