World Jewish News

JAFI budget cut down, 10 absorption centres closing.

The Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI) announced its intention to close several absorption centres. This is a result of a decrease in donations because of the financial crisis.
Ynet Information Agency reports the closure of 5 centres, but according to the explanation JAFI Press Secretary Alex Selsky gave during a conversation with the Kursor journalist, the exact number of absorption centres to be closed has not yet been determined. Which particular absorption centres are to be closed will be decided within a couple of days. The JAFI spokesperson claims that "in any case, the repatriates won't suffer from these necessary steps and will get all the help they are entitled to". It is noted that an additional reason for this measure is the reduction in Israeli repatriate numbers in recent years.
Because of the financial crisis the JAFI budget in the year 2009 will be cut by 45 million shekels, which will result in closure of the absorption centres and dismissal of tens of employees. Sources in JAFI inform that an attempt will be made to fire only those employees who are close to retirement age.
An extra measure against the crisis to be taken in JAFI is the integration of most departments, both in Israel and abroad. The dismissal of the majority of employees in all departments is expected.
Additionally, the funds for the NAALE program are also to be reduced.

Источник: cursorinfo.co.il