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Last update - 11:38 13/07/2008 Jewish Agency outsourcing aliyah marks end of 'aliyah of no-choice' By Anshel Pfeffer, Haaretz Correspondent Tags: Jewish Agency, Jewish world  A few minutes after 6 A.M. last Thursday, two groups of about 30 new immigrants each entered the small office of the Immigration Absorption Ministry, at the old terminal of Ben Gurion International Airport. The first was a group of British olim, who were brought to Israel by the independent aliyah organization Nefesh B'Nesfesh, and the second was of Ethiopian Falashmura, brought by the Jewish Agency. This random encounter embodied the changing of the guard currently underway in the aliyah sector, whereby private organizations challenge the hitherto undisputed monopoly of the Jewish Agency, the semi-official body that has handled aliyah since the foundation of the state. An agreement currently drafted between the Agency and Nefesh B'Nefesh, according to which the state body will transfer a large proportion of its dealings in North America to its younger equivalent, is yet another step in the Jewish Agency shifting its focus from aliyah to Jewish education in the Diaspora. Advertisement Each of the two groups of olim sat at its respective tables, surrounded by guides who spoke the relevant languages. The British, who were swiftly done with the red tape and left the terminal to attend a ceremony held in their honor, seemed more at ease in their new environment. On their way out to join another 220 immigrants who arrived from New York in a specially hired airplane, the smiled at the Ethiopians and wished them good luck. The two groups landed in Israel at the same time, but it was pretty obvious, almost at the outset, which group will have less difficulties integrating in the Israeli society. This month will see the closing stages of Falashmura immigration, and with the all but demise of aliyah from the former Soviet Union, it seems that "aliyah of no-choice" ? coming to Israel in search of a better standard of living - is about to meet its maker. Simultaneously, the Jewish Agency, which has chronically suffered from a debilitating deficit and a problematic image, struggles somewhat unsuccessfully to market living in Israel as a viable alternative to the wealthy life of Jewish communities in the West. Against this backdrop, Nefesh B'Nefesh gradually fills the void. A not-for-profit organization established in 2002, it strives to identify potential immigrants in North America and the U.K., and help them settle down in Israel as quickly and smoothly as possible. Thursday's group included the 15,000th immigrant brought to Israel by the organization. However, despite the identity of interests between the two bodies, and maybe because of it, a cold-blooded enmity has sparked between them. A year ago, amid mutual vilifications in the media, the two bodies completely severed their ties. But at present, a strategic cooperation agreement is being drafted. It is facilitated by unrelenting pressure applied by American patrons and the financial difficulties of the Jewish Agency that prevent it from effectively operating in the continent. Apparently it is agreed that the Agency will focus on Jewish and Zionist education in these communities, whereas Nefesh B'Nefesh will be in charge of advocating aliyah. The bone of contention remains credit and prestige: Nefesh B'Nefesh demands full recognition of its input, while the Jewish Agency remains firm that all aliyah-related activities bear its logo. Jewish Agency sources denied these reports, saying "the Agency will continue to be Israel's major aliyah organization in the world. We always welcome cooperation with other organizations." Nefesh B'Nefesh declined to comment. Related articles: Jewish Agency: All Falashmura eligible for Aliyah are already here Jewish Agency plan to recruit hi-tech immigrants draws immediate fire Jewish Agency budget stung by lower donations, weak dollar Bookmark to del.icio.us   Kafka's heir Many believe Hava Hoffe is in possession of an important literary treasure. Press doyen Eric Silver, veteran of the foreign press corps in Jerusalem, dies aged 73.   1.   about time to close theJA 12:41  |  A Bored Jew 13/07/08   2.   NBN are dangerous 18:01  |  Oleh 13/07/08   3.   Fantastic innovation: First-, business- and economic-class Alya! 22:46  |  Ulf 13/07/08   4.   Ulf check the ULFspeak. 10:18  |  A bored Jew 14/07/08   5.   #2 and stalinist Newspeak 10:24  |  Sorry but... 14/07/08   6.   Only the left is "apolitical"??? #2, huh? 10:27  |  Duh 14/07/08   7.   Aliyah, apolitical, I have news for you! 09:40  |  Zev Davis 18/07/08

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