(PHOTOS IN EXTENDED ARTICLE)

Nefesh B’Nefesh, in cooperation with the Ministry of Aliyah, The Jewish Agency, KKL-JNF and JNF-USA, welcomed 98 new Olim on Tuesday, 20 Tammuz. Five different EL AL flights carrying Olim from Toronto, Miami, Los Angeles, JFK and Newark arrived throughout the day at Ben-Gurion Airport. The Newark group flight contained 74 Olim, with the youngest Oleh being only 8 months old.

“The next eight weeks are our busiest and most exciting time of year as we work round the clock helping nearly 2000 Olim realize their dream of Aliyah,” said Co-Founder and Executive Director of Nefesh B’Nefesh, Rabbi Yehoshua Fass. “We wish each and every one of today’s 100 Olim, who are kickstarting our summer Aliyah season, a smooth acclimation as they build their new lives in the Jewish homeland.”

The new Olim come from a variety of cities from all over North America including Miami, Boulder, Pittsburgh, Los Angeles, Seattle, Atlanta, Chicago, Baltimore, Toronto, and New York. These group flights precede the two Nefesh B’Nefesh charter Aliyah flights, the first landing July 25th, and the second landing August 15th, as well as several more group flights scheduled during the summer months.

“My husband and I have been desperate to make Aliyah for the longest time. Suddenly, the end of the preparations just crept up on us, and now we’re finally here!” said Shira Lankin Sheps, who made Aliyah Tuesday with her family from Fair Lawn, New Jersey. “The reality of the situation keeps hitting me in the little moments. I can’t believe how lucky I am, and I’m so appreciative of the opportunity to be here and to Nefesh B’Nefesh for making it so easy.”

Over 50% of new Olim move to Israel during the summer months, which is a natural transition period for them to settle into their homes and prepare for the upcoming year.

Photos: Group photo and the Sheps family

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem/Photo Credit: Ben Kelmer)