According to the Israeli newspaper Jerusalem Post, on Sunday July 24, 2022, following a request from the Russian Ministry of Justice, the Jewish Agency began a “secret” plan to transfer its operations in Russia to Israel and manage the immigration process remotely. Thursday, July 21, closure of agency activities in Moscow.
Meanwhile, the newspaper has learned that a court hearing on the case will take place this week, and until then the agency will try to defend its position, with a source close to the agency saying: “Jewish Agency employees are metaphorically are repackaging and reassessing themselves. Challenges and their work.”
Although the immigration process can become an electronic platform, it will not be convenient for the elderly, as face-to-face communication processes will no longer be available.
A source at the agency explained that without the ability to promote immigration to Russia, the rate of immigration will drop sharply in the coming years.
The agency has several Israeli representatives in Russia and about 100 local employees, and it is unclear whether a solution will be found for these employees if the agency is forced to close its operations there.
“A joint delegation from the Prime Minister’s Office and the Israeli Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Justice, Immigration and Absorption will be sent to Russia to ensure that the Jewish Agency can continue its operations,” Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid said on Thursday. “
An Israeli government source said that although the legal experts do not have a thorough understanding of the Russian justice system, they intend to show Moscow that the Israeli government is “serious” about resolving the issue.
“The Jewish community in Russia is deeply connected to Israel, and its importance is increasing in any political dialogue with the Russian leadership. We will continue to work through diplomatic channels so that the important activities of the Jewish Agency do not stop,” Lapid said. “
On Sunday, Lapid is expected to meet with Israel’s Minister of Immigration and Absorption, Penina Tamano-Shata, and Yakov Hagol, head of the Russian Jewish Agency. He also summoned other ministers of the former Soviet Union. Finance Minister Avigdor Lieberman (who grew up in Moldova) and Tourism Minister Yuel Rezbuzov (who grew up in the Russian city of Birobidzhan) and Minister of Construction and Housing Zeev Elkin (who grew up in Ukraine).
Lapid will consult with them on potential strategies because they know Russian culture and some, like Elkin, are familiar and close to the Kremlin.
According to this newspaper, since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in late February 2022, about 30,000 Russian citizens have applied for immigration. In addition, about 5,000 Russians have been approved for immigration.
But the rate of migration from Russia to Israel is lower than it should be, as most Western airlines have suspended flights to Russia due to international sanctions imposed after the country’s invasion of Ukraine.
According to agency sources, about 1,000 people a day come to various agency offices across Russia to immigrate, but not all of them meet the necessary conditions.
The agency responded to reports of a request to dissolve the agency in Russia. “The information you have is incorrect,” said Hagit Helali, his spokesman.
He added: The preliminary meeting of this case has been set for next week and this is a continuation of the legal process, and as we have said so far, we will not give an answer during the legal process.
Source: Lebanon Debate
