June 11, 2007 / 25 Sivan 5767

Working in South America presents special challenges. Each country has its own political complexities and demands sensitivity as to how to most effectively work with the Jewish community among the population at large.

In order to exchange ideas, and discuss problems and solutions, a conference of Jewish Agency emissaries in Latin America took place in Argentina from March 19-22. The conference was attended by 100 people, including both the Chairman and Director General of the Jewish Agency. Four days of workshops and panels on various topics included marketing as a tool for promoting aliyah, youth programs, absorption products, the image of the Jewish Agency, the place of Israel in the Diaspora, work plans, etc. Additionally, videoconferences were held with other representative offices around the world.

During the conference, promotional material was distributed to the participants to help them better market aliyah. One of the booklets included stories of successful olim during the years 2002-3, including two from Argentina. Among the stories was that of Jennifer Cohen Falah, 23, from Argentina, who made aliyah from Argentina in 2002. She felt that although she had acquired an education, the economic situation in Argentina during that period had prevented her professional progress. Upon arriving in Israel she lived at the Calanit Absorption Center. Today she is a student at the Interdisciplinary Center in Herzliya. When asked if she has any advice for people contemplating aliyah, she responded: “It is important to come with a certain vision, no matter how basic, and with a plan as to how to best fulfill your dream.”