Israel Awareness Update
October 21, 2002
By: Anya Manning, Natick USY Israel Affairs VP

Natick USY,
I began this letter with these words,

"Fortunately the violence level in Israel has decreased over the past couple weeks."  
Unfortunately, as I went to check JPOST.com to give you all a brief update on the economic 
status of Israel and various happenings in the News I was struck by a disturbing article.

Today. October 21, 2002 at 4:30 PM Israeli time terrorists blew up bus No. 841 riding from the 
northern border town of Kiryat Shmone to Tel Aviv.  The militant Islamic Jihad movement took 
responsibility and it is thought that two terrorists were involved.  11 people were killed and 47 
were injured.  It is presumed that the suicide bombers originally escaped from the West Bank 
through Arab villages on the Green Line.

In other news...

Hebron:
The IDF postponed plans to pull forces out of Hebron for at least several days.

Immigration Rights:
Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and Deputy Minister of Immigration and Absorption Yuli Edelstein 
decided on Sunday to extend eligibility of immigration benefits to all new immigrants.  To date, 
benefits have been extended only to immigrants from 'distressed countries' such as Ethiopia, the 
former Soviet Union, Argentina and Uruguay.

North America is not on the list of 40 countries "in distress" whose immigrants are given a first 
year benefit of $10,000 per family, in addition to mortgage reductions, tax reductions, and tuition 
for Hebrew classes or scholarships for schools. Other immigrants receive $2,500 over the first six 
months, in addition to tax and mortgage reductions.  Edelstein was inspired to provide additional 
benefits after 400 North Americans made aliyah this past summer through a privately funded 
program, Nefesh b'Nefesh, founded by Rabbi Joshua Fass. "I thought if one private person can 
do this, why can't the State of Israel, Edelstein said."  The move to offer equal aid would require 
Cabinet approval. Edelstein said he believes it will come before the cabinet in the next few weeks. 

Allies:
The South Korean government is attempting to expand its defense ties with Israel.  South Korean 
Air Force Major General and head of military procurement Shin Bo-hyun will visit Israel this 
week for talks. 

I hope that you are all well and that after taking the time to read this you are better informed.  We 
pray for peace in Israel now and forever.

Anya Manning
Natick USY Israel VP