Complex undercover operation: 17 Jews emigrated from Yemen

In covert operation of the Jewish Agency, with the assistance of government offices, this evening (Wednesday) 17 Jews emigrated from Yemen to Israel.

As part of the operation four parents immigrated to Israel from Yemen were consolidated with their children who simultaneously emigrated from Argentina. Newcomers will be absorbed in one of the centers of the Jewish Agency Absorption in the south.

Complex operation began in August 2011 when Satmar convinced a group of 30 Jews from Yemen to come to London, with a promise to be recognized as refugees. But once the Jews left Yemen the group learned that their entry to London will not be allowed and they were brought by the chassidim to Argentina.

Amongst the Jews brought to Argentina were six children of Yechiya Karni and four children of Chaim Karni. Today the Jewish Agency has brought in parallel the two sets of parents from Yemen and their children from Argentina.

Since the beginning of the year 45 immigrants came from Yemen. According to estimates of the Jewish Agency in Yemen there are less than 90 Jews, half of them live in a protected compound in Sana'a.

Jewish Agency Chairman Natan Sharansky said: "Tonight we had the honor to conduct a rare operation that combines the saving of souls, family reunification and immigration to Israel.

"The Jewish Agency is operating to immigrate at maximum speed all the Jews of Yemen who express interest in making Aliyah and agency personnel are willing to help in any way possible."

'בחדרי' גם ברשתות החברתיות - הצטרפו!