Prime Minister Ariel Sharon decided that the remainder of the Falash Mura from Ethiopia would be brought to Israel by the end of 2007.  In order to achieve this aim, the number of immigrants will be doubled starting from June 2005.

Prime Minister Sharon met with Justice Minister and Minister for Immigrant Absorption Tzipi Livni, Finance Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Interior Minister Ophir Pines, Minister Natan Sharansky, Chairman of the Jewish Agency Salai Meridor, Director General of the Prime Minister’s office Ilan Cohen, Cabinet Secretariat Yisrael Maimon and representatives of various ministries at his office today.

Prime Minister Sharon said: “We must make every effort to increase immigration and therefore the Treasury will have to set aside additional resources in order to achieve this aim.”  The Prime Minister emphasized that he places great importance on immigration especially as a solution to the problems of the Falash Mura in Ethiopia.

Prime Minister Sharon instructed the Interior Minister in cooperation with the Ministry for Immigrant Absorption, the Finance Ministry, Foreign Ministry and the Jewish Agency to present a comprehensive and detailed plan within three months.

The plan should include an agreement with Jewish organizations operating in Ethiopian camps to stop their work there, and transfer the camps to the sole responsibility of the Jewish Agency.