Scandal in the Knesset. Photo: Noam Moshkowitz, Knesset Press Service
This week, a serious accusation was made during a session of the Knesset Committee on Immigration, Absorption, and Diaspora Affairs: Israeli government agencies are intentionally delaying the repatriation process for Jews from Russia. While immigrants from Western countries are interviewed by consuls immediately, those from Russia have to wait up to eight months. Committee chairman, MK Oded Forer (Yisrael Beiteinu), claimed that this indicates a deliberate policy to reduce the number of immigrants from Russia.
Since the beginning of 2024, 14,982 new immigrants have arrived in Israel, 10,628 of whom are Russian citizens. However, according to lawmakers, this number could have been significantly higher if not for the artificial obstacles created by Israeli government agencies.
Forer emphasized that the waiting times for repatriation visa interviews from Russia, which can take up to eight months, are unique. No other country experiences such delays. He accused the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration of intentionally reducing funding for repatriation from former Soviet Union countries while encouraging repatriation from Western countries.
Gennady Polishchuk, a representative of the Nativ Bureau responsible for consular intake, stated that the waiting times for interviews have been reduced in most of the bureau’s branches. He added that about 80% of applications receive approval for repatriation, with only 4-5% being deemed ineligible.
Shimon Shmilo, a representative of the Jewish Agency (Sohnut), assured that all possible measures are being taken to increase the number of immigrants from Russia. He noted that it is expected that between 18,000 to 24,000 people will immigrate from Russia in 2024. Special attention is being given to young people, whose numbers have increased by 10% since the start of the war.
Karen Cohen-Gat from Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs added that Israel is trying to reduce the incentives for repatriation from Russia due to the political nuances between the two countries.
Forer demanded that Sohnut provide the forms filled out by immigrants to receive free airline tickets to Israel and data on baggage restrictions. He also promised to hold a special session to analyze the waiting times for repatriation in Russia.
This was reported by Time Ukraine Israel, citing a source from Vesty.co.il.
