October 3, 2006 / 11 Tishrei 5767

Dear Friends,

I am delighted to share with you that we have concluded our selection process for the new Director General of the Aliyah and Absorption Department of the Jewish Agency and the Search Committee has selected Mr. Oded Salomon for the position.

Oded Salomon brings to the organization nearly twenty years of managerial, marketing and business development experience. For many years he held a variety of senior positions in both Israeli and multi-national companies, all of which he filled with astounding success.

Oded, who is married and the father of two, received his Bachelor's degree in Food Technology from Hebrew University, holds a Masters Degree in Business Administration from Tel Aviv University.

I am pleased that the selection procedure was completed on the eve of Rosh Ha'Shana, as it brings to a close a long and complex process, in which many members of the Selection Committee and the Executive provided important assistance in order to find the most suitable candidate for this position. I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to everyone involved for their significant contribution.

I am confident, that with the selection of Oded Salomon and his transition into the position, we are beginning a new era in the Jewish Agency with respect to Aliyah and absorption.

The tasks ahead of us are many and great, as Aliyah and absorption is, and has always been, the main focus of the Jewish Agency. The goal of bringing one million new immigrants to the country over the next fifteen years is a moving ambition for us all and I am confident that the professionalism and talents Oded brings to the position in the areas of business development and marketing will prove to be invaluable assets in developing modern working tools in order to see this mission to fruition.

I am certain that everyone will step up and assist Oded and the staff of the Aliyah and Absorption Department to successfully achieve these important objectives in the years to come.

This is another opportunity for me to salute you, Members of the Board of Governors for you solid stand by our side, for you assistance, help, backing and support, which in turn, allows us to fulfill the mission we have taken upon ourselves on behalf of the Jewish People and the State of Israel.

I thank you from the bottom of my heart and extend to you my warm wishes for a happy and healthy New Year to you and your families.

Yours,

Zeev Bielski