Despite the backdrop of war and increased tensions in the region, El Al flights from New York, Los Angeles and Miami landed at Ben-Gurion International Airport on Oct. 19, bringing 25 new immigrants to Israel.
The olim arrived through the assistance of Nefesh B’Nefesh, in partnership with Israel’s Ministry of Aliyah and Integration, the Jewish Agency for Israel, Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael and the Jewish National Fund-USA. Welcoming them were co-founder and executive director of Nefesh B’Nefesh Rabbi Yehoshua Fass; Ofir Sofer, minister of aliyah and integration; and director general of the ministry Avichai Kahana.
Spanning in age from 19 to 79, the new arrivals hail from U.S. states including New York, New Jersey, Florida, California, Maryland, Michigan and Ohio. They plan to establish their new homes across Israel—from Jerusalem to Tel Aviv, Haifa, Netanya, Beit Shemesh, Petach Tikvah, Rosh HaAyin, Ma’ale Adumim and beyond.
Joshua Rosenthal, 36, from Baltimore, shared, “My aunt immigrated to Israel nearly 45 years ago in 1979. She thought I was crazy when I told her I was still sticking with my plan to make aliyah now. But as far as I’m concerned, as long as I have a seat on the plane with my name on it, I’m there! It’s very important that the people of Israel know that Jews all over the world still support Israel with everything we have—and we’re still coming. Hope is our secret weapon, and it’s what will get our people through this.”
Sofer told the new immigrants: “We will never give up on the vision of the return of the nation of Israel to their land. The new immigrants from the United States, whom I welcomed today at the airport, prove and emphasize to our enemies that the belief in the righteousness of the path that has accompanied the Jewish people for the last 2,000 years of exile burns even now. The same longing for the Land of Israel burns in the Jewish people, especially in the war for the existence of the Jewish people in the State of Israel.”
Tony Gelbart, co-founder and chairman of Nefesh B’Nefesh, said “it is incredibly moving to welcome this week’s olim, who despite extremely tragic and unsecure circumstances are continuing to fulfill their Zionist dreams of moving to Israel. As always, we remain steadfast in our mission to assist all future olim, as well as veteran olim, as they continue contributing to the growth and resilience of the State of Israel, each in their own dedicated ways. There is no doubt that today’s olim send an unmistakable message that the Jewish nation is united, strong and resilient, and we welcome them to their new homes.”
“Seeing olim arrive in Israel during the most challenging days we’ve ever known fills our hearts and gives us strength to carry on,” said chairman of the Jewish Agency Maj. Gen. (res.) Doron Almog. These olim boost our resilience and will be part of rebuilding our wonderful country. I embrace each one of them.”
Chairwoman of Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael Ifat Ovadia-Luski said, “making aliyah to Israel at a time of war is a true testament that the spirit of Zionism and the love of the land of Israel continue to pulsate. The Jews from around the world express their deep identification by immigrating to Israel. We at KKL congratulate the new olim on their arrival to Israel at this distinct time, and we will stand by to ensure their rapid absorption.”
