Despite the recent 12-day war with Iran and Israel’s ongoing multi-front war, a wave of approximately 2,000 olim (new immigrants) is expected to arrive in the Jewish state this summer, Nefesh B’Nefesh announced on Thursday in partnership with Israel’s Aliyah and Integration Ministry, the Jewish Agency for Israel, Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael, and Jewish National Fund-USA.
The first since the start of Operation Iron Swords, a charter aliyah flight arrived at Ben-Gurion Airport on Thursday, carrying over 220 new Olim. An additional 12 aliyah flights are anticipated to bring up to 60 new immigrants each.
Thursday’s 45 new arrivals included immigrants arriving from 8 different states and provinces in the US and Canada, including New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Wyoming, Ohio, Ontario, and others.
An additional 60 immigrants made aliyah from within Israel in the 24 hours prior to the flight's arrival, meaning over 100 immigrants made aliyah in the first week of the summer season alone.
'Victory of the State of Israel'
“The continued aliyah symbolizes the victory of the State of Israel, and to my delight, we are witnessing the great victory over the Iranians, with hundreds of new immigrants within a week. Since October 7, we have seen that even in the most difficult times, the Jewish people choose to immigrate to Israel,” Aliyah and Integration Minister Ofir Sofer.
“In other countries, when there is war, people flee the country, but here, people come to the country. Our job is to welcome immigrants, embrace them, and build the future of the country with them. The immigrants who are arriving these days are real heroes. They strengthen the State of Israel, and we are committed to strengthening and integrating them, and we do this through assistance programs in employment, housing, studies, language acquisition, and integration into the community."
“The summer aliyah season is always a time of renewal and hope, but this year it carries added significance. Amid one of the most historic times in Israel’s recent history, these individuals are choosing to come home,” said Tony Gelbart and Rabbi Yehoshua Fass, Co-Founders of Nefesh B’Nefesh.
“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. We are honored to accompany these olim as they solidify their dreams in our growing nation.”
Since October 7, Nefesh B’Nefesh has seen a sharp rise in aliyah interest, receiving over 13,500 new aliyah file requests. Over 4,430 North Americans have already made aliyah since the start of the of the war and the momentum continues to grow.
“Every new immigrant who arrives these days is a story of unconditional love. Aliyah is a profound and meaningful reminder of why we are here. Every such plane that lands is not only a response to antisemitism, but a response to the values we seek to see in our society: commitment, courage, belonging,” said Chairman of the Jewish Agency, Maj. Gen. (res.) Doron Almog.
"The Jewish Agency is proud to be part of this journey, a journey of hope, which is so needed these days. Together with our partners, we will continue to work tirelessly to enable optimal absorption, community connection, and to build a living bridge between Israel and the Diaspora. A bridge that is based on mutual guarantee and faith in a shared future."