Over the weekend, Irving Izchak Pergament became the third Israeli to reach space after participating in a brief Virgin Galactic flight. In an exclusive interview with Ynet, Pergament shared that he carried a sign on the flight with the message: "Bring them home now," referring to Israeli held hostage by terrorists in the Gaza Strip since October 7.
Wearing the flags of Israel and the U.S. on his spacesuit sleeve, Pergament added, "It was very exciting and moving that on that day four hostages were rescued."
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Irving Izchak Pergament pre-flight, with a sign calling for the release of the hostages in Gaza
Pergament was born in a displaced persons camp in Germany to Holocaust survivor parents. After the establishment of the State of Israel, he immigrated with his family and was sent to the Ma'barah immigrant transit camp in Atlit, later moving to Givat Olga. Despite the family's poverty, he recalls a happy childhood, spending time at the beach and in nature.
As the family's economic situation improved, they relocated to the city of Hadera, where Pergament spent his youth. After completing his military service, he saved money and traveled to the United States.
During his trip, he recognized the numerous opportunities for economic advancement and decided to stay. Initially working in odd jobs, he soon realized the potential in real estate and founded a successful commercial real estate company. During this time, he met his wife and started a family.
Pergament described the short space flight. "Everything started a week and a half ago with practice and training, and the flight itself was on Saturday at 8:00 a.m. It's a stunning experience. In space, you really float. It's an incredible experience. I never dreamed I could float like that in space."
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Irving Izchak Pergament experiences weightlessness on the Virgin Galactic flight to the edge of space
(Photo: Virgin Galactic)
He recounted the awe of seeing Earth from high above. "I saw from the windows the Earth and its colors, and what actually rotates around the Earth. It has a shell, a different color than the Earth. It's stunning. And then you see space, which is pitch black."
Pergament also spoke about the significance of the Israeli flag on his spacesuit. "I asked that my space suit also have the Israeli flag," he explained. "When I saw the suit for the first time, my heart swelled, and when I floated in space, alongside the excitement, I was filled with a feeling of power and pride."
Looking ahead, Pergament expressed his aspirations for future space missions. "It was a stunning experience. We were in New Mexico, coming out of the desert, and the experience was amazing. Another mission? Maybe to the moon. Maybe, if it's possible," he said