Knesset Member Eliyahu Gabbai (National Religious Party) sent a letter Monday to Minister of Absorption Eli Aflalo, Chairman of the Absorption Committee Michael Nudelman and Chairman of the Jewish Agency Ze'ev Bielski asking to convene a discussion of the absorption committee to prepare for a possible wave of Olim (immigrants to Israel) from the United States because of the global financial crisis.
MK Gabbai warned that the global crisis strengthens the need to stress Aliyah as a central issue, and to prepare accordingly. He cited disturbing reports from the Anti-Defamation League about increasing anti-Semitism that has been noticed on-line, where many have blamed Jews for the world's financial woes. He suggested that this should not just cause real concern, but should also lead to concrete and practical thinking.
Gabbai recounted the surge of Aliyah from Argentina during tough economic times there in the end of the 90s. He added that Israel is currently seeing heavier Aliyah from France, where, he said, Jews are experiencing the harshest anti-Semitism since the Second World War. MK Gabbai hopes that these conditions are likely to embolden Jews to draw clear conclusions and consider Aliyah.
He wants the Jewish State to be ready to receive them well.