Jews who were denied Aliyah from Russia demand benefits
The Knesset's Committee for Immigration, Absorption and Diaspora Affairs discussed benefits for Jews who served sentences in Russian prisons for Jewish and Zionist activity. Those Jewish individuals who were denied the right to Aliyah for political reasons also joined the battle, demanding Israel to raise their benefits.
"We were missionaries of the people and the State in the Soviet Union, even though we didn't sign any official agreement," said Rabbi Eliyahu Essas, on of those denied immigration to Israel. "We were active; we taught the Torah, Hebrew and Judaism in secret. It is a shameful situations to have to live on NIS 1,500 ($415) a month. It's not fair, and it hurts the reputation of the State of Israel." (Yael Branovsky)
