Immigration to Israel Up 50 Percent

JERUSALEM, Israel -- Increasing anti-Semitism is contributing to a resurgence in Jewish immigration to Israel. Ukrainian and French Jews are making up the lion's share of a 50 percent increase over the same period last year.

To facilitate aliyah (immigration to Israel under the Law of Return), the Israeli government allotted an additional 30 million shekels, approximately $8.7 million.

Working with the Jewish Agency for Israel and the World Zionist Organization, Israeli Absorption Minister Sofa Landver says it's time to encourage immigration "in light of increasing anti-Semitic incidents in Europe."

The Jewish Agency also helped nearly twice as many Ukrainian Jews immigrate so far this year.

In addition, there was a 10 percent increase of Jews from other parts of the former Soviet Union and an 18 percent increase in Jewish immigration from North America.