Brazilians arrive in time for a carnival holiday

Aliya from Brazil has risen sharply in recent years, with 2015 seeing the arrival of 500 olim.

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF
Updated: MARCH 16, 2016 22:07
NEW IMMIGRANTS from Brazil arrive at Ben-Gurion International Airport on March 14. (photo credit: Courtesy)
NEW IMMIGRANTS from Brazil arrive at Ben-Gurion International Airport on March 14.
(photo credit: Courtesy)
Thirty new immigrants from Brazil landed at Ben-Gurion International Airport on Monday, and were met with a Purim-carnival themed reception organized by the Jewish Agency for Israel and the Immigration and Absorption Ministry.
The Jewish community of Brazil is the second-largest in Latin America – 120,000 members – most of whom reside in São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Porto Alegre, with smaller communities in Curitiba, Belo Horizonte, Recife, and scattered throughout the northern and eastern parts of the country.
Aliya from Brazil has risen sharply in recent years, with 2015 seeing the arrival of 500 olim, compared to 2014’s 300, and 210 in 2013. Sixty-five to 70% of the immigrants are under the age of 45. Most seek to lead Jewish lives in Israel, where they feel safe and at home, and many also wish to reunite with family members who have already immigrated. Other contributing factors to the increase in numbers include the ongoing economic crisis in Brazil and a prevailing sense of personal insecurity.
Revital Poleg, the Jewish Agency’s Brazilian representative, estimates a continued increase in Brazilian aliya, noting that over 1,000 individuals have already started the process.
The Brazilian immigrants will benefit from personalized absorption programs, employment assistance, Hebrew education, help in opening businesses, and so on, from the Immigration and Absorption Ministry.
Yehuda Sharf, director of the Jewish Agency’s Aliya and Absorption Unit, and Maxim Biton, manager of the Absorption Hall at Ben-Gurion Airport were at the airport to greet the arrivals.
“Brazil is leading the way for aliya from Latin America. We are delighted to have you here and look forward to having you add a taste of carnival to next week’s Purim festivities. Welcome home!” he said.
Representatives of OLEI - Organización Latinoamericana, España y Portugal en Israel and its Brazilian branch, Beit Brasil, were also in attendance.
The Jewish Agency’s activities in Brazil are coordinated with Confederação Israelita do Brasil (Brazilian Jewry’s umbrella organization).