Immigration from Great Britain is up over 28%. The Jewish Agency reports that figures for 2003 show that 405 British Jews made Aliyah, compared with 316 the year before. The main increase occurred in the second half of the year, corresponding to the period when the Jewish Agency began instituting more immigrant-friendly procedures. The new initiatives are based on shortening the process, changing procedures, and meeting potential immigrants at places convenient for them, rather than at the Aliyah offices. In recent years, more attention is also being given to the unique needs of individual Olim [immigrants], as opposed to group-oriented programs, and job-finding has been improved by recruiting external business services.
The Head of the Jewish Agency Delegation in the UK, Mr. Zvi Kahana, stated that although the Aliyah increase is "an impressive achievement, there is still a long way to go, and there is more room for further increase in the number of Olim from Great Britain." He also indicated that high priority is now being given to activities within unaffiliated communities," i.e., small and shrinking communities in danger of fading away. The Jewish Agency is of the opinion that considerable Aliyah potential exists in these towns.
The Jewish population in the United Kingdom is approximately 275,000 and declining, with 200,000 in London and 40,000 in Manchester and the northern areas of the country.
The Head of the Jewish Agency Delegation in the UK, Mr. Zvi Kahana, stated that although the Aliyah increase is "an impressive achievement, there is still a long way to go, and there is more room for further increase in the number of Olim from Great Britain." He also indicated that high priority is now being given to activities within unaffiliated communities," i.e., small and shrinking communities in danger of fading away. The Jewish Agency is of the opinion that considerable Aliyah potential exists in these towns.
The Jewish population in the United Kingdom is approximately 275,000 and declining, with 200,000 in London and 40,000 in Manchester and the northern areas of the country.