The Jewish Agency announced on Monday that a clandestine operation has brought some of the last remaining Yemenite Jews to Israel. According to the Jewish Agency, 19 Yemenite Jews arrived in Israel over the past few days. The agency works closely with the Israeli government and acts as a link to Jews around the world. The Jewish Agency said the Yemenite Jews were flown in on a "complex covert operation." Media reports said the U.S. was involved in the mission. Yemen and Israel have no diplomatic ties. Of the new arrivals, 14 were from Raydah, while the other five were from Sanaa. The group from Raydah included the community's rabbi, who brought with him a Torah scroll believed to be at least 500 years old. "This is a moment of utmost significance for the State of Israel and Jewish immigration," Jewish Agency Chairman Natan Sharansky said.
Some 50,000 Jews have immigrated to Israel from Yemen since 1949.
The Jewish Agency said 50 Jews now remain in Yemen, having opted not to immigrate to Israel at this time.
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