Some 200 North Americans have chosen to make Israel their new home.
On the Fourth of July this year, 201 North Americans made Aliyah (immigrated) to Israel from the US and Canada, arriving together at Ben Gurion Airport.
The flight’s passengers included newcomers from 16 states and three Canadian provinces, including 14 soon-to-be IDF soldiers, five sets of twins, 34 families, 78 children, 51 singles and 47 people moving to Israel’s periphery. The new immigrants work in a range of professions and will reside in communities throughout Israel.
The charter Aliyah flight was organized by Nefesh B’Nefesh, in cooperation with Israel’s Ministry of Aliyah and Integration, the Jewish Agency for Israel, Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael (KKL) and the Jewish National Fund (JNF-USA).
A festive welcoming ceremony for the new immigrants took place at Ben Gurion Airport upon their arrival, during which they received their new Israeli ID cards. The event was attended by Minister of Aliyah and Integration, Sofa Landver, and co-founders of Nefesh B’Nefesh, Rabbi Yehoshua Fass and Tony Gelbart.
Founded in 2002, Nefesh B’Nefesh is dedicated to revitalizing Aliyah from North America and the UK by removing or minimizing obstacles to Aliyah.
The support and comprehensive social services that Nefesh B’Nefesh has provided to over 50,000 newcomers has ensured that 90 percent of its Olim (immigrants) have remained in Israel.
By: United with Israel Staff