The EAJC convened a forum addressing key issues in repatriation

On July 13, the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress hosted a forum on critical issues of repatriation, featuring academics, public figures, and representatives of religious communities. The event took place in light of a major wave of repatriation to Israel from the countries of the former USSR. Participants presented new sociological research regarding recent Jewish arrivals in Israel and discussed the primary challenges they encounter while adjusting to new realities.

"Typically, the scope of activity of the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress is centered in the Euro-Asian region," stated Dr. Haim Ben Yakov, Director General of the organization, in his opening remarks. "Historically, we have not operated here within Israel. Our primary objective remains fostering ties between Israel and the Diaspora, alongside our regional operations. Recently, however, Jewish community leaders have indicated that the issue of repatriation and absorption demands particularly close and focused analysis. Consequently, we decided to convene this forum to identify the main obstacles confronting Russian-speaking repatriates of the latest wave in Israel."

According to the EAJC Director General, a report containing key findings will be compiled based on the results of the event. The Congress will submit this document to the heads of Israeli government agencies and major public organizations.

During the forum, Professor Ze’ev Khanin, Chairman of the Academic Council of the Institute for Euro-Asian Jewish Studies, which operates under the auspices of the EAJC, presented a sociological study on the wave of repatriation to Israel in 2022. According to his data, as of June 2022, a total of 28,210 Jews had relocated to Israel from Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus. This figure is more than double the volume recorded in the preceding year.

More than half of the Jewish arrivals in Israel hold higher education degrees, with their professional backgrounds predominantly in the humanities.

"We hold in high regard all the volunteers and public organizations that have made every effort to rescue people from the conflict. However, as we observe, there is currently no substitute for state institutions. Two-thirds of those from Ukraine reported that state organizations assisted them in reaching Israel, while one-third were aided by Jewish public, religious, and other entities. Fewer than 10% were assisted by local volunteers," Professor Khanin noted.

Furthermore, sociological data indicates that well over half of the repatriates from Russia and Ukraine are "satisfied with the outcomes of their initial steps" in Israel.

The EAJC will publish a more detailed review of the study in the near future.

Public figures participating in the conference outlined the most prevalent challenges encountered by new repatriates from Russia and Ukraine. These include difficulties in transferring capital to Israel, the absence of a centralized information resource consolidating all repatriation data, obstacles in obtaining confirmation of Giyur by Israeli government institutions, and a lack of effective communication between government agencies and public organizations.

The EAJC press service will provide further details regarding the conclusions outlined during the forum in a comprehensive forthcoming report.