Via Ministry of Foreign Affairs
FM Livni addresses immigrant absorption at Cabinet meeting
The reports we have heard during this meeting - about increasing assimilation, decreasing aliyah (immigration to
Israel), and the growing trend to leave the country and return to the countries of origin - describe a strategic problem
that demands a systemic solution.
Systemic actions by government ministries must join national efforts taking place in Israel and abroad. Some areas call
for urgent attention:
In Israel, reform of the Hebrew language programs (ulpanim): A start has been made by establishing an interactive
television station and a website for Hebrew language instruction. However, this must be completed so that every new
immigrant will have multiple options to learn Hebrew and will be able to do so in his own free time. The ulpanim must
also undergo a fundamental change in order to increase their accessibility.
Conversion: We must make the conversion process easier for new immigrants, especially since only one tenth of the
immigrants are Jewish, and the rest are eligible to make aliyah according to the Law of return (statistics provided in
answer to a question posed during the meeting).
Respect for cultures: Recognition of the cultures from which the immigrants come will boost their integration in Israeli
society. This is not setting them apart, but rather respecting them.
Jewish and Zionist education: This must be strengthened abroad as well as in Israel. There is room for improvement in
the field of Jewish, Zionist education, which should reinforce the common denominator between the various communities
and the State of Israel and help the aliyah effort.
ENDS