News Brief
8/9/2008, Av 8, 5768
Foreign Ministry Opens Situation Room on Georgia
The Jewish Agency has opened a situation room that will help track down Jews in Georgia, following Russia's military actions in the country's South Osettia region. After Russian jets bombed the city of Gori and oil pipelines in the region, reportedly killing 1,500 people, the Foreign Ministry issued a warning against Israelis traveling to the region. Extra staff will be sent to the Israeli embassy in the Georgian capital of Tbilisi, to help track down Israelis and Jews in the affected areas. Foreign Minister Tsipi Livni will hold a special discussion on the situation on Sunday.
There are said to be some 200 Jews in Gori, while 12,000 Jews live in Georgia, most with relatives in Israel. Communication with the region was not possible throughout Saturday, officials said. Anyone seeking information on relatives can call the situation room at 02-6202202.