300 new olim arrive in Israel
New immigrants from UK, North America arrive on Nefesh B'Nefesh-sponsored flights; 2,000 olim expected to arrive in Israel with organization's help over the summmer
Nefesh B’Nefesh’s (NBN) first chartered aliyah flight arrived on Thursday, hours after the arrival of a group aliyah flight from the UK.
The organization’s 15,000th new immigrant was amongst 300 North American and British Jews who made aliyah with Nefesh B’Nefesh from the USA, Canada and the UK in the past few days.
Nefesh B’Nefesh said that since being founded in 2002, it has "revitalized western aliyah, by removing the financial, professional, social and logistical obstacles that prevent many people from actualizing their dreams to move to Israel."
Two thousand North American and British Jews are expected to move to Israel this summer, on 13 Nefesh B’Nefesh charter and group aliyah flights. In addition to five specially chartered aliyah planes arriving July through September, there will be two group aliyah flights from the USA, two from Canada and four from the UK.
“Although bringing our 15,000th oleh (new immigrant) is an exciting and significant milestone, we look towards the future with growing excitement as we anticipate facilitating the expansion of western aliyah” commented NBN Co-Chairman and former Israeli Ambassador to the US Danny Ayalon.
“We are honored to be taking such an active role in the revitalization of western aliyah and to witness the revival of modern day Zionism which is helping strengthen the State of Israel,” he added.
Nefesh B’Nefesh’s 15,000th newcomer is 24 year old Tracy Levy from Houston, Texas who works in journalism and is writing a book on graffiti in Israel. After arriving in Israel, Tracy, who is a competitive horseback rider, plans to complete a Master’s degree and pursue her dream of being a photo journalist.
“Coming from a strong Zionistic background, and being involved in Jewish organizations throughout college, I feel elated to finally be making aliyah,” she said. “Being able to pursue my career in Israel, as a citizen is a dream come true,” said Levy.
Family and friends around the world will be able to watch a live feed of the olim landing in Israel and the following welcome ceremony on a dedicated online webcast. The broadcast can be viewed on Thursday, July 10th at 12 am EST (7:10 am Israel time) at www.nbn.org.il/2008arrival.
