Prime Minister Ariel Sharon met with the President of the Russian Jewish Congress, Vladimir Sluzker.  The Director of “Netiv,” Tzvi Magen, the Prime Minister’s advisor for the Diaspora, Merav Katrielle-Streker and advisor to “Netiv” director Dr. Maleh Tabori participated in the meeting.
 
Prime Minister Sharon congratulated Sluzker on his election a few months ago.
 
Russian Jewish Congress President Sluzker said that the agreement reached with the various religious Jewish communities in Russia on the matter of a joint coordinated response against anti-Semitic expression in the country, is one of the first steps he took on taking up his position.
 
Vladimir Sluzker added that Diaspora Jews cannot exist without their connection to Israel, and emphasized that Jews in the Diaspora are only able to exist due to the existence of the State of Israel.
 
Prime Minister Sharon commented that immigration to Israel is of great importance to Israel’s existence, and said that he aims to bring another one million Jews within 15 years.
 
Prime Minister Sharon stated that he is interested in activating a joint program for Jewish youth in Russia with the purpose of sustaining a continuous connection to Israel, and to give Jewish-Zionist education in Russia.
 
Prime Minister Sharon added that he is interested in Jewish investments in Israel, as Israel’s new economic policy is turning Israel into an attractive investment opportunity.
 
The Prime Minister also said that has assumed control of the special courts which preside over conversion, and that he is personally supervising actions in this area.