Jewish Agency Sends 8 Person Team to Istanbul to Assist the Jewish Community and as a Sign of Solidarity.

The 8 person team which left on Saturday night is headed by Jewish Agency (JAFI) Executive member Amos Chermon and veteran Olah from Turkey, Viki Angel, who is Deputy Director General of JAFI's aliyah department. In Istanbul they will meet up with JAFI education emissary Yifat Morag. The team includes 5 social workers, psychologists, and youth counselors who are experienced in dealing with victims of trauma.

Jewish Agency Chairman Sallai Meridor and JAFI Board of Governors Chair Carole Solomon along with JAFI senior staff participated in a telephone conference call on Saturday night with leaders of Istanbul's Jewish community. The JAFI leadership was updated of the situation in Istanbul and heard of the needs of the Turkish Jewish community.

Immediately upon hearing the news of the attack the Jewish Agency opened a situation room in Jerusalem to handle queries from relatives and veteran olim from Turkey living in Israel. The number is 02 6202202.

JAFI Chair Sallai Meridor expressed his sincere condolences to the Turkish Jewish community following Saturday's terrorist attack on the two synagogues in Istanbul.

For additional information contact
the Office of the Spokesman:
Liaisons to Foreign Press and Media
Jewish Agency for Israel
Michael Jankelowitz
Mobile: 051-601706