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November 15, 2002/Kislev 10 5763, Vol. 55, No. 12
Zimbabwe Jews seriously consider aliyah options
MOIRA SCHNEIDER
Jewish Telegraphic Agency
CAPE TOWN - Zimbabwe's shrinking and mostly elderly Jewish community has been heartened by an offer from the mayor of Ashkelon to assist those who settle in the Israeli coastal city.
Michael Mensky, who heads South Africa's Israel Center associated with the Jewish Agency for Israel and the World Zionist Organization, conveyed the offer, as well as other aliyah options, at community gatherings last week in the Zimbabwean cities of Harare and Bulawayo.
Ashkelon Mayor Benny Vaknin learned of the plight of the Zimbabwe community while attending an aliyah fair in South Africa over Passover.
"He said he would take their plight as his own and work as a mayor to enhance their coming to Ashkelon," Mensky told JTA.
Mensky told community leaders that Israel historically has demonstrated its concern for threatened Jewish communities such as those in Syria, Iraq, Iran, Yemen and Ethiopia and that Zimbabwe's 600 Jews would be similarly helped.
The country's economy has deteriorated into massive unemployment and runaway inflation, and over 80 percent of the black population now lives below the poverty line. A long-standing drought has exacerbated the risk of hunger.
Zimbabwean Jews who move to Israel will receive an "absorption basket" of financial benefits, Mensky said. He is lobbying for special recognition for them so that housing allowances, particularly for retired people, may be granted.
"The situation in Zimbabwe seems to be deteriorating, and we suggested to the community that if and when it's time, Israel will be there for them," Mensky said.
It's not clear how many will take Vaknin up on his offer. Some Zimbabwe Jews do not see Israel as a viable option, others are looking at other destinations and some believe the situation at home will improve, Mensky said.
While most are taking a wait-and-see approach, many are taking this offer very seriously," Mensky said. "They feel comforted to know that there is some sort of a back-up plan lined up."
An elderly member of the community, who did not wish to be identified, said Jews in Zimbabwe indeed were considering their options.
"We don't know what's happening. We're in an awkward position - after all, we've been here all our lives - and it's not something that we enjoy," he said.
Ivor Davis, past president of the Harare Hebrew Congregation, said Vaknin's offer "went down extremely well."
"For many of us this country has been" a great place "with its splendid climate, friendly people and its opportunities," he said. "For those of us who will leave the country, we shall miss it desperately."
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