Rabbi Michael Borochov, a leader of the New York community, which hails from Uzbekistan, was quoted as saying Tuesday that hundreds of his coreligionists were in talks with the Jewish Agency for Israel about moving en masse to Beit Shemesh.

“The community understands that it is important to settle in Israel,” Borochov told Ma’ariv. “We want to bring all of the Bukharians from New York. If the government gives us support and benefits, I am certain that everyone will immigrate to Israel.” The Jewish Agency confirmed that talks were under way.

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