(PHOTOS IN EXTENDED ARTICLE)

The second Nefesh B’Nefesh Aliyah charter flight of the summer brings a wide array of experienced and emerging leaders to Israel, including 57 future Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Lone Soldiers, 27 medical professionals, and 13 Jewish community professionals.

The new Olim hail from 24 US states and three Canadian provinces, including 30 families, 90 children, and three sets of twins. The future Lone Soldiers—those volunteering to serve in the IDF without immediate family living in Israel—will join the close to 1,000 Lone Soldiers from North America, and the close to 4,000 Lone Soldiers from around the world. These young men and women, once they become Israeli citizens, enlist in the IDF as required of all Israelis at the age of 18.

Minister of Aliyah Sofa Landver: “On behalf of the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration and myself, I would like to congratulate the new Olim on their decision to make Aliyah and become a part of our family, here in the Jewish homeland. North American Aliyah both strengthens Israel’s economy and boosts the country’s national pride. In recent years, our Ministry has invested heavily in encouraging Aliyah and creating projects to assist in the absorption process. We are ensuring that the integration into Israeli society will be as quick and easy as possible, with every Oleh receiving a warm, personal welcome.”

Once enlisted, these young men and women become part of the Nefesh B’Nefesh and Friends of the IDF (FIDF) Lone Soldiers Program which cares for the thousands of Olim soldiers from around the world currently in active service. This program, with the full support of the IDF, offers guidance, support and care for all Lone Soldier immigrants during each stage of their service, after release from the army, and during the adjustment stages to civilian life.

“A hundred years ago Jewish immigration to Israel was non-existent and 75 years ago we were called illegal immigrants,” said Ron Werner, a national board member of Jewish National Fund-USA who traveled to Israel on the Aliyah flight with 239 new olim. “Today, any Jew may freely and safely travel to the land of Israel. It is with much thanks to Nefesh B’Nefesh and Jewish National Fund-USA donor Heidi Rothberg’s generous gift of this flight, that 239 new stories can be told as these olim follow in the footsteps of the brave pioneers who came before them.”

In the past, making Aliyah for medical professionals has presented numerous obstacles as in order to practice medicine in Israel, they had to undergo a very long licensing process that took months to complete. Now, as a result of a unique partnership with the Ministry of Health and their Medical Professions Licensing Department, the majority of the 27 medical professionals on this flight will enjoy an expedited licensing process and some will be able to begin working in as little as 2 weeks from their arrival in Israel.

“From the earliest days of the Jewish State, courageous young men and women have made Aliyah in order to preserve what was once a distant dream for their parents and grandparents,” explained Rabbi Yehoshua Fass, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Nefesh B’Nefesh. “Now, 70 years later, the young men and women who arrived this morning as future Lone Soldiers, are driven by the same principles and continue in the spirit of voluntary service – the desire to build and protect our homeland.”

Chairman of the Jewish Agency for Israel, Yitzchak Herzog said, “I wish the new Olim a life full of happiness here, as well as a smooth and speedy transition into Israeli society. The Jewish Agency will always regard Aliyah as one of its main functions, and as such would like to celebrate our joint partnership with Nefesh B’Nefesh in assisting the immigration of Jews to Israel.”

Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, MK Dr. Michael Oren added “As a representative of the Government of Israel, it is with much honor to take part in this glorious event. Aliyah represents the essence of Zionist vision in which our State was founded. And as a former Oleh from North America, I know how special Aliyah is, motivated not by oppression or economic strife but solely by love of the Land of Israel. Finally, as one who served as a Lone Solider, I want to express my deepest appreciation for your dedication and courage. In the name of our Government and State, I wish you the warmest welcome and mazal tov on the best decision you’ve ever made.”

A special welcome ceremony was held at Ben-Gurion Airport upon arrival and included: Minister Landver; Deputy Minister Oren, and numerous other officials.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem/Photo Credit: NBN)