Henry Garfinkle, 26, on Sunday morning became the first immigrant to return to Israel since the start of “Operation Roaring Lion” against Iran, the Aliyah and Integration Ministry said.

Garfinkle, a political scientist from the United States, touched down at Ben-Gurion International Airport near Tel Aviv at 4:45 a.m. on Sunday, on one of the first flights since the gradual reopening of the airspace.

“I congratulate Henry on his immigration during wartime, after a great and determined effort to reach Israel,” Aliyah and Integration Minister Ofir Sofer said in a statement. “This symbolizes Zionism, courage and great love for Israel.”