Posted on 04/26/2004 1:52:06 PM PDT by yonif
On the eve of Independence Day a group of some 70 new immigrants from the former Soviet Union arrived at the Haifa Port on Sunday aboard the passenger ship "Iris" after sailing directly from Odessa.
The new arrivals were greeted with Israeli flags and flowers by members of the Ministry of Immigrant Absorption, headed by director-general Mirla Gal.
"The arrival of new immigrants is always a cause for celebration and excitement," said Gal after the welcoming ceremony.
"The fact that they have come on the very eve of Independence Day and at a time when Israel is marking the 70th anniversary of 'Ha'Apalah' (illegal immigration) makes it even more heartwarming," Gal said.
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