[Video & Photo links below] President of Israel Shimon Peres greeted 234 new Israeli citizens at a ceremony welcoming this summer’s second chartered Aliyah flight organized by Nefesh B’Nefesh and the Jewish Agency. On board the flight, which was sponsored by the Friends of the IDF (FIDF), were 85 soldiers, the highest amount of soldiers ever to arrive on a chartered Aliyah flight from North America. The soon-to-be-drafted soldiers are among 450 Olim soldier expected to arrive this summer, many of whom are members of the Garin Tzabar program. A Sefer Torah was also on the flight.

“It is heartwarming to see the passion and dedication displayed by these brave young men and women who choose to serve in the IDF immediately upon making Aliyah” said Co-Founder and Executive Director of Nefesh B’Nefesh Rabbi Yehoshua Fass. “We are grateful to the FIDF for their generous support in helping us provide specialized guidance and assistance to these young immigrants joining Israel’s Defense Forces.”

Hundreds of families and friends as well as Israeli dignitaries gathered at Ben Gurion Airport to welcome the country’s newest citizens at the arrival ceremony which included a special performance by performer Rami Kleinstein. Those present included: Israeli President Shimon Peres; National Director of FIDF Major General (Res.) Yitzhak (Jerry) Gershon; Director of Immigration and Absorption at the Jewish Agency, Eli Cohen; President of Friends of Israel Scouts Inc. Tzofim, Daniel J. Katz; Vice Chairman of Nefesh B’Nefesh, Erez Halfon and Co-Founders of Nefesh B’Nefesh Rabbi Yehoshua Fass and Tony Gelbart.

YWN PHOTO LINK: Click HERE for photos.

(Feivel Katz / YWN Israel)

Credits: Yehuda Boltshauser & David Wilder via Kuvien Images