September 1, 2008 /  1 Elul 5768

Mr. Zeev Bielski
Chairman
Jewish Agency For Israel

Mr. Chairman,

Georgia was recently in turmoil due to the confrontation that erupted in South Ossetia and Abkhazia, and the question immediately arose as to the possible danger in which the 12,000 Jews left in the region may find themselves.

The Jewish Agency, with you as Chairman, took upon itself the initiative to assist the Jewish community - efficiently, seriously, with enormous concern and extraordinary dedication.  The Jewish Agency worked with great intensity and took all possible steps to manage the crisis from the Jewish angle - all in a very impressive manner.

Congratulations to you and all the partners involved in the efficient work you did.  This was a perfect example of the significant and decisive role the Jewish Agency plays in matters concerning the Jewish People.  Please relay my thanks to all those involved.

It is my hope that, in the future, we will act as partners in additional missions centered on strengthening the Jewish People in the Diaspora and strengthening ties between the Diaspora and the State of Israel.

      
      Yours sincerely,

      Ovad Yehezkel
      Governmental Secretariat

Cc: Mr. Ehud Olmert, Prime Minister
      Ministers of the Israeli Government