Archives of the Jewish Agency Office, Munich, Frankfurt (File L47)

Contains correspondence relating to the Jewish communities in postwar Germany as well as activities related to heirless property and restitution, including correspondence with the International Trust Corporation, Haavara, the United Restitution Office, various offices of the World Zionist Organization and the Jewish Agency and Youth Aliyah, minutes of meetings, statistics and reports. Note: Online description of each folder at: http://www.zionistarchives.org.il/en/Pages/ArchiveSearchResults.aspx?k=L47&t=T3 The Jewish Agency for Israel, previously called The Jewish Agency for Palestine, is the largest Jewish nonprofit organization in the world. Its mission is to "inspire Jews throughout the world to connect with their people, heritage, and land, and empower them to build a thriving Jewish future and a strong Israel." It is best known as the primary organization responsible for the immigration ("Aliyah") and absorption of Jews and their families from the Diaspora into Israel. Since 1948, the Jewish Agency for Israel has been responsible for bringing 3 million immigrants to Israel,and offers them transitional housing in "absorption centers" throughout the country. The Jewish Agency played a central role in the founding and the building of the State of Israel. David Ben Gurion was the Chairman of its Executive Committee from 1935, and it was in this capacity that on May 14, 1948 he proclaimed independence for the State of Israel. He became Israel's first Prime Minister. In the years before and after the creation of the State, the Jewish Agency oversaw the establishment of about 1,000 towns and villages in Mandate Palestine. It serves as the main link between Israel and Jewish communities around the world. [Source: Wikipedia] Copyright Holder: World Zionist Organization. Central Zionist Archives