Reports from Russia say there has been a big increase in the number of Jews emigrating to Israel.

The reports say Jewish emigrants more than doubled last year to almost thirty-thousand.

The figures were compiled by the Russian section of the Jewish Agency, an Israeli organisation which helps Jews move to Israel.

The deputy head of the section, Alexander Ovontsov, said the increase was mainly owing to Russia's economic problems and political instability.

But he also mentioned increased anti-semitism as a cause.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service