2 Tevet, 5762
Jerusalem

A New Survey of the Israeli Jewish Population:
80% of the Israeli Public Believe Aliyah Must Be  Encouraged in These Times
63% Believe that Bonds Between Israel and the Diaspora are Equally Important to Both Sides

63% percent of the Jewish population in Israel believe that ties between Israel and Diaspora Jewry are equally important to both sides. Approximately 20% believe that the ties are more important to Israelis and 14% believe that such ties are more important to Diaspora Jews. These results were obtained in a Jewish Agency survey undertaken for the Herzliya Conference on the Balance of National Strength and Security which is taking place from December 16^th to 18^th .

Jewish Agency Chairman Sallai Meridor, will give a major lecture today at the Conference on the subject "The Jewish People as a Strategic Asset in Israel's National Strength."

The survey was conducted by the Dahaf Institute, under the direction of Dr. Mina Zemach, amongst a representative example of the adult Jewish population of Israel. The survey examined relations between Israelis and the Diaspora, and between Israeli society and New Immigrants.

The survey also reveals that 80% of the Jewish population in Israel believes that even in these times we must encourage Jewish immigration to Israel. In contrast, 17% believe that in these times we should not encourage aliyah. 59% of those polled believe that the new immigrants strengthen Israel's economy,while 23% believe that the new immigrants weaken Israel's economy. 52% believe that the new immigrants strengthen Israeli society, while 25% believe that they weaken Israeli society.

Approximately one third of the Jewish population said that they personally helped absorb immigrants to at least some degree. The percentage of those indicating this was slightly higher among Israel's immigrant population than among veteran Israelis.

For additional information contact Yehuda Weinraub, 055-284805.