More than 200 French Jewish have arrived in Israel on one Aliyah flight
More than 200 French Jews arrived in Israel aboard a special Aliyah (immigration) flight organised by The Jewish Agency for Israel in partnership with the Ministry of Aliyah and Immigrant Absorption and Keren Hayesod-UIA.
A new Israeli: Nir Kafri for The Jewish Agency for Israel
Upon their arrival at Ben-Gurion Airport, they were greeted by Chairman of the Executive of The Jewish Agency for Israel Natan Sharansky, Minister of Aliyah and Immigrant Absorption Sofa Landver, and Chairman of Keren Hayesod-UIA Eliezer (Moodi) Sandberg. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the festive gathering by video.
In Israel Nir Kafri for The Jewish Agency for Israel
Today’s arrival was the largest Aliyah flight from France set to land in Israel this summer. Half of the new immigrants are teenagers, children, and toddlers who will join the Israeli education system at the end of the summer vacation. One such child, Eva Levy, celebrated her ninth birthday today and was called onto the stage with her parents and siblings to receive a surprise birthday cake and gifts from Chairman Sharansky and Minister Landver. The immigrants also include several families in which three generations—grandparents, parents, and children—made Aliyah together. The majority of the immigrants will make their homes in Netanya, Raanana, Jerusalem, and Ashdod. The flight was planned months ago,
Natan Sharansky greets
Nir Kafri for The Jewish Agency for Israel
without any connection to recent events in France.
Chairman of the Executive of The Jewish Agency for Israel Natan Sharansky said: “Many have questioned whether
Nir Kafri for The Jewish Agency for Israel
Jews have a future in France, but there is no question that French Jewry has a future in Israel. You could have chosen to go many other places, but you chose to come here. Each of you has taken a tremendous step for your children’s future and for the future of Israel. Welcome home!”
United Israel Appeal in Australia and New Zealand raised funds for The Jewish Agency.
