In the past, immigration was a necessity for the rebirth of Israel, today it is necessary for the continued prospering of an established country. Jews from all over have come and continue to come to Israel for the purpose of taking part in building the Jewish state. Jews from many countries make Aliyah out of choice. But Aliyah of choice is not a luxury all Jews share and Israel still serves as a place of refuge for Jews in countries throughout the world escaping prosecution and anti-Semitism. The Immigration and Absorption Department of The Jewish Agency on behalf of the global Jewish people sees as its multifold goals to assist Jews everywhere in realizing the dream of immigration to Israel and to initiate the rescue of Jews in distress or danger.