Despite the recent 12-day war with Iran, Israel is expected to welcome some 2,000 new immigrants from North America this summer, Nefesh B’Nefesh announced on Thursday.
The NGO, which works in cooperation with the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration, the Jewish Agency for Israel and others, said a major milestone will be marked when a full charter flight will touch down in Tel Aviv this summer—the first since the Hamas-led terrorist attacks in southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023.
This summer’s first group flight landed on Thursday, carrying 45 new immigrants from eight U.S. states and Canadian provinces, including New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Wyoming, Ohio and Ontario.
Passengers ranged “from infants to seniors in their 70s, including several professionals such as lawyers, engineers, educators and a chef,” said the organization. They are expected to resettle in cities across Israel, from Jerusalem and Tel Aviv to Haifa, Safed and outlying regions.
Meanwhile, around 60 individuals already living in the Jewish state have completed their official aliyah process this week with Nefesh B’Nefesh’s assistance, bringing the total to more than 100 new Israeli citizens.
“The continued aliyah symbolizes the victory of the State of Israel,” said Aliyah and Integration Minister Ofir Sofer. “Even during difficult times, the Jewish people choose to come to Israel.”
“These new immigrants are heroes,” the Israeli minister declared.
Since Oct. 7, 2023, Nefesh B’Nefesh has seen a sharp increase in interest in aliyah, with more than 13,500 applications submitted. More than 4,430 North Americans have immigrated to Israel since the war began.
“The summer aliyah season is always a time of renewal and hope, but this year it carries added significance,” said executive director Rabbi Yehoshua Fass. “Amid one of the most historic times in Israel’s recent history, these individuals are choosing to come home.
“It not only marks a personal milestone, but it also serves as a national statement. A powerful act of Jewish destiny. And I have no doubt that many will be inspired to follow their lead,” said Fass.
All new immigrants will benefit from extensive services and support provided by the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration, including rental assistance in national priority areas, Hebrew-language programs, community integration services and tax benefits.
