June 6, 2008 / 3 Sivan 5768

Prospective immigrants will be given 'temporary resident' status for up to several years

The Jewish Agency wants the Israeli government to consider a new plan which would allow Jews who are considering moving to Israel a longer period to stay in the country as temporary residents before applying for full citizenship, Jewish Agency Director General Moshe Vigdor told the Knesset's Aliyah, Absorption and Diaspora Committee earlier this week.

The new plan, which is being worked out with the Interior Ministry and the Ministry Immigrant Absorption, will allow Jews to live in Israel for up to several years before taking on the status of new immigrant ("oleh") and becoming Israeli citizens. During this time, the prospective immigrant would be able to see how life in Israel is as he or she acclimates in the Israeli workplace, pursues further education, finds housing, etc. The Knesset committee expressed its support for the new plan.

"The goal of this plan is help people make the decision to move to Israel," said Jewish Agency Chairman Zeev Bielski.

Jacob Dallal
Director of Public Relations and Marketing
The Jewish Agency for Israel - North America
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The Jewish Agency is supported by founding constituent partners: Keren Hayesod, United Jewish Communities and Jewish federations around the world; and primary funders: Keren Hayesod, United Jewish Communities and major Jewish Federations in North America, International Fellowship of Christians and Jews.