August 13, 2008 / 12 Av 5768

At a emotional Welcoming Ceremony, which took place yesterday, August 12th, 2008, at the Ben Gurion Airport, 34 new immigrants saved from the fighting in Georgia were welcomed to Israel.  This is in addition to 8 other immigrants who arrived within the last few days.  The Director General of the Aliyah and Immigration Department greeted these new immigrants, who left behind their homes and belongings, and now are looking forward to becoming part of their new homeland.

The Aliyah and Immigration Department has organized housing solutions specifically for these new immigrants.  Some of them are staying in Absorption Centers, others are part of the "First Home in the Homeland" program on kibbutzim in the north, and some are living with relatives throughout the country. 

 The arrival of these immigrants in Israel is thanks to the dedicated work of the Jewish Agency shaliach in Tbilisi, Grigori Brodsky and Alex Katz, Head of JAFI's FSU Region.  This emergency work that is now being done is only possible due to the foundation of professional and productive activities that have taken place throughout the year in Tbilisi and throughout the FSU, and which will result with many thousands of new immigrants arriving in Israel by the end of 2008.