Despite terrorism, economic depression, US immigration to Israel rises

Jerusalem Post ^ | Jul. 7, 2003 | THE JERUSALEM REPORT INTERNET STAFF

[yonif]

Despite the threat of terror and the economic downturn, the number of North Americans making aliyah has been growing since the Palestinian intifada began in September 2000.

According to the Jewish Agency, during the last decade about 1,500 North Americans immigrate to Israel each year. Roughly 1,000 of these immigrants make the move during the summer, as is expected for the coming summer months. As of earlier this year, an estimated 500 North Americans have already settled in Israel.

In addition, about 300-400 North Americans visiting Israel are expected to gain Israeli citizenship by the end of this summer.

Last year the number grew to 2,020 North American Jews who moved to Israel, a rise from 1,560 in 2001.

Many North American immigrants give the intifada as a reason for the deepening of their Zionism. Others cite economic help as a factor that has made the move smoother for them.

[yonif]

According to the Jewish Agency, during the last decade about 1,500 North Americans immigrate to Israel each year.

[Catspaw]

I don't see a massive uptick in the number of tourist trips booked to Bethlehem yet. Of course, having an Israeli "collaborator" hanging by his heels in Manger Square might be a deterrant.

[dennisw]

Some relatives just moved there.

[DTA]

>>>>>>>I don't see a massive uptick in the number of tourist trips booked to Bethlehem yet. <<<<<<<<

And that is exactly what is needed. Tourist visits, not only by American Jews but by Christians as well.

[Catspaw]

I wouldn't go near Bethlehem--or any other place on the West Bank or Gaza controlled by the Palestinians.

But then they've changed their methods of getting rid of Israeli "collaborators," at least temporarily. They no longer hang them by their heels from Manger Square after dragging them through the streets. Now they just burst into courtrooms and shoot them.

[John Will]

It just isn't American Jews moving to Isreal. Assuming the EU assumes present course, there is going to be FAR more immagration from europe to Israel.

[Catspaw]

Ah, yes, "the right of return," translated as "Palestine from the River to the Sea."

[KantianBurke]

isn't enough. for every Jew who makes aliyah, a hundred future suicide bombers are born every day.

[BabsC]

Another reason not to create another terrorist "state" or as I refer to it "staging point".