Dozens of major Israeli companies signed an agreement organized by the Immigration Ministry committing to employing more new immigrants in order to promote their integration into the country, the ministry announced on Wednesday.
Businesses including the Rami Levy supermarket chain, Israel Electric Corporation, Isrotel, Ein Kerem Hospital, and the HOT telecommunications company were among those that signed the agreement, which the Immigration Ministry felt would lead to the utilization of the economic and innovative potential of new immigrants.
Immigration a 'significant economic engine'
“Immigration is not only a Zionist value but also a significant economic engine,” Immigration Minister Ofir Sofer said in a statement. “Immigrants bring with them professional experience, entrepreneurship, and innovation that upgrades the Israeli labor market and strengthens the national economy.”
The agreement would see the companies implement mentoring programs and encourage cultural diversity in their human resources strategy. The government pledged to offer guidance and tools for professional guidance for immigrants. The state would also help to promote employment opportunities even before the new citizens had arrived in Israel.
Immigration Ministry Director-General Avichai Kahana said in a statement that the agreement was based on government-business partnership, in addition to strengthening social cohesion and fostering innovation. “This is a broad national movement that connects the fundamental values of the State of Israel with the needs of the modern economy – a Zionist and economic vision at the same time,” said Kahana.
The ministry argued that integration into the labor market was essential to the successful absorption of new immigrants and the strengthening of Israeli society. Sofer said that the effort would reduce social gaps and expand employment opportunity networks.
“The agreement seeks to ensure that every immigrant can find his or her place at the center of Israel’s economic activity from day one,” said Sofer. “This is an investment not only in immigrants, but in the growth of all of us.”