(Jewish Group) Jewish Agency chief: Russian Jews in 'distress,' no slowdown in immigration efforts

Newly installed Jewish Agency chairman Doron Almog said Russian Jewry isin “distress,” fearing a return of Soviet-era policies barring immigration to Israel in light of the Russian government’s efforts to shutter his organization in the country.

Almog, in his first interview since taking over as head of the Jewish Agency this week, told the Kan public broadcaster that his organization was working to help the hundreds of thousands of people of Jewish heritage who are eligible for Israeli citizenship.

Last month, the Russian justice ministry began proceedings to end the activities of the Jewish Agency, which encourages and facilitates immigration to Israel and runs educational programs for Russian Jews. An inconclusive hearing was held last week, with another scheduled for next month. Until then, the Jewish Agency’s attorneys and Israeli government representatives were working with Russian officials to reach a compromise that would allow the organization to continue operating in Russia.

“We are speaking with them on a professional level — attorney to attorney — in order to meet their demands,” Almog said.

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Pogroms anyone?