North American Aliyah- Up!

Despite the \"situation\" in Israel, immigration to Israel (Aliyah) from North America rose during the month of July and the beginning of August, and Aliyah during the first half of 2001 has remained close to last year\'s rate. \"We were pleasantly surprised,\" said Akiva Werber, responsible for North American Aliyah on behalf of the Jewish Agency, adding that the new immigrants are \"motivated by positive ideological considerations and strong attachment to Israel.\" In July, 261 North Americans immigrated to Israel - compared to 258 in July 2000. During the first seven months of 2001, 881 immigrants came from North America, only 30 less than arrived during the same period last year.