215 Olim from the US and Canada landed this morning at Ben Gurion Airport, disembarking in their new home of Israel. These Olim arrived on the 64th Nefesh B’Nefesh chartered Aliyah flight through El Al Israel Airlines, in cooperation with Israel’s Ministry of Aliyah & Integration, The Jewish Agency for Israel, Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael (KKL), Jewish National Fund-USA and Tzofim-Garin Tzabar, and will be joining the 75,000 Olim the organization has brought to Israel since its first charter Aliyah flight in the summer of 2002.

Last summer, a pilot initiative to further streamline the Aliyah processing was offered to a handful of Olim when representatives of Israel’s Ministry of Aliyah & Integration and the Population and Immigration Authority handed out Teudot Oleh (immigration certificates) while onboard. For the first time, this opportunity was extended to all the passengers on this year’s charter. While still on the flight, Olim filled out relevant forms and were handed their Teudot, finalizing their Aliyah processing.

The charter flight was comprised of 22 families with 75 children amongst them, 15 single men and women, 17 retirees. The youngest Oleh on the flight was 4 months old, and the oldest Oleh was 77 years old. Also onboard the flight were 7 doctors and 15 health professionals who will be integrating into the Israeli medical system. 27 Olim on the flight are part of the Nefesh B’Nefesh-KKL Go Beyond initiative, which is aimed at developing Israel’s peripheral regions and Jerusalem.

“It was my absolute joy to welcome these new Olim upon their arrival in Israel. It is especially exciting to see families with kids and young adults embrace the Zionist dream of making Aliyah,” said Minister of Aliyah and Integration, Ofir Sofer. “Since becoming minister, I have made it my personal goal to increase the number of Olim from the US and have a various number of programs expected to launch soon with this objective in mind. Together with our dear partners, Nefesh B’Nefesh, I believe we can accomplish this goal. I wish the new Olim much success, as well as a smooth and comfortable absorption in Israel. Welcome home!”

“Each and every Oleh carries with them a unique story, yet what bonds them together is a unified love for our homeland, shared goals and collective action,” said Co-Founder and Executive Director of Nefesh B’Nefesh, Rabbi Yehoshua Fass. “It teaches us that diversity exists within unity - that shared values and commitment can bind different individuals and groups together. Watching each of these Olim walk onto the tarmac and witness their elation as they take their initial steps in their new homes is both inspiring and moving. We are honored to continue to be a part of the next chapter in each of their Aliyah journeys.”

Additionally, about a quarter of the Olim who arrived this morning are brave young men and women who have chosen to volunteer in the IDF. They will be drafting as lone soldiers with Garin Tzabar, a Friends of Israel Scouts program which offers support before and throughout military service, by way of coordinating communities around Israel to serve as a home away from home for these individuals. Their absorption period will also include educational tours in Israel, ulpan Hebrew studies, and an introduction to the Israeli military structure.

The Olim represent a diverse group of individuals, both geographically and professionally, and have originated from across the United States and Canadian provinces, including New York, New Jersey, California, Texas, Ohio, Massachusetts, Ontario, Minnesota, Illinois and more. The main Israeli cities these Olim are moving to include Jerusalem, Tel Aviv-Jaffa, Ra'anana, Beit Shemesh, Haifa, Afula and Modi'in-Maccabim-Re'ut. Amongst the Olim are a varied range of occupations, which primarily include doctors, educators, engineers, accountants, social workers and occupational therapists.

Source - INN - Image - Flash90