More than 90 per cent of Jewish immigrants to Israel in January and February came from countries of the former Soviet Union, according to Jewish Agency figures.
Of the total of 11,516 immigrants from former Soviet states in the first months of 2023, the vast majority — 10,203 arrivals — came from Russia, amid the economic and political consequences of the war in Ukraine, reported The Jerusalem Post.
Migration from Belarus and Ukraine rose by 229 per cent and 32 per cent, respectively. Migration from the other former Soviet Union countries increased by 239 per cent.
There was a 434 per cent increase in arrivals from the region compared with the same two months in 2022, said the agency, which represents Jews worldwide and “provides the global framework for Aliyah” — a Hebrew term for immigration to Israel.
Migration from western countries, however, dropped. France, home to Europe's largest Jewish community, saw a 60 per cent decrease compared to the same period last year.
The total number of immigrants to Israel through the Jewish Agency in the first two months of 2023 was 12,658, the figures showed.
Israel has long-standing policies to encourage Jewish immigration, with an entire ministry devoted to the subject.
The country's 1950 Law of Return, which gives anyone with a Jewish grandparent the right to Israeli citizenship, has been a topic of debate in recent times.
Israel's far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has called for it to be amended, describing what he believes to be its lax criteria as a “Jewish time bomb that must be dealt with”.
Religious parties in the country's new right-wing government say that only people with at least one Jewish parent should be eligible.
THE SPECS
Engine: 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder
Transmission: Constant Variable (CVT)
Power: 141bhp
Torque: 250Nm
Price: Dh64,500
On sale: Now
Indika
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German intelligence warnings
- 2002: "Hezbollah supporters feared becoming a target of security services because of the effects of [9/11] ... discussions on Hezbollah policy moved from mosques into smaller circles in private homes." Supporters in Germany: 800
- 2013: "Financial and logistical support from Germany for Hezbollah in Lebanon supports the armed struggle against Israel ... Hezbollah supporters in Germany hold back from actions that would gain publicity." Supporters in Germany: 950
- 2023: "It must be reckoned with that Hezbollah will continue to plan terrorist actions outside the Middle East against Israel or Israeli interests." Supporters in Germany: 1,250
Source: Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution
The Perfect Couple
Starring: Nicole Kidman, Liev Schreiber, Jack Reynor
Creator: Jenna Lamia
Rating: 3/5
Cherry
Directed by: Joe and Anthony Russo
Starring: Tom Holland, Ciara Bravo
1/5
Company profile
Name: Back to Games and Boardgame Space
Started: Back to Games (2015); Boardgame Space (Mark Azzam became co-founder in 2017)
Founder: Back to Games (Mr Azzam); Boardgame Space (Mr Azzam and Feras Al Bastaki)
Based: Dubai and Abu Dhabi
Industry: Back to Games (retail); Boardgame Space (wholesale and distribution)
Funding: Back to Games: self-funded by Mr Azzam with Dh1.3 million; Mr Azzam invested Dh250,000 in Boardgame Space
Growth: Back to Games: from 300 products in 2015 to 7,000 in 2019; Boardgame Space: from 34 games in 2017 to 3,500 in 2019
Usain Bolt's World Championships record
2007 Osaka
200m Silver
4x100m relay Silver
2009 Berlin
100m Gold
200m Gold
4x100m relay Gold
2011 Daegu
100m Disqualified in final for false start
200m Gold
4x100m relay Gold
2013 Moscow
100m Gold
200m Gold
4x100m relay Gold
2015 Beijing
100m Gold
200m Gold
4x100m relay Gold
MATCH INFO
Liverpool 2 (Van Dijk 18', 24')
Brighton 1 (Dunk 79')
Red card: Alisson (Liverpool)
