Jewish immigration to Israel at lowest in 20 years
JERUSALEM (AFP) — Jewish immigration to Israel continued to slide in 2007 with the number of newcomers at just 19,700, the lowest level in 20 years, according to figures published on Monda
Immigration was down six percent from 2006, the immigrant absorption ministry said.
The number of immigrants from former Soviet countries, which made up 30 percent of all newcomers, dropped 15 percent from 2006.
Zeev Bielsky, the head of the Jewish Agency in charge of bringing in immigrants to the Jewish state, expressed concern over the falling numbers.
Diaspora Jews today "have fewer reasons to leave their countries of origin" as Israel has become "less attractive as a land of immigration," he told army radio.
