The Faithful Keep Coming

The War doesn't Deter Olim: Hundreds Emigrants Arrives to Israel by Special Flights

by Yitzhak Levinson

(Ben-Gurion International Airport) . - The war doesn't deter Olim (newcomers to Israel - immigrants) - significant growth in Aliyah (immigration to Israel) from western countries took place from the beginning of this year as only during the first month of the war (July) about 2,700 Olim arrived to Israel, most of them from western countries. Tomorrow (Thu.) will arrive at the Ben-Gurion International Airport a special flight, arranged by the Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI) and Nefesh B'Nefesh (NBN) Association, with 240 Olim of North America, including Tzabar group youngsters' who are to join serving in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Three additional special flights are expected during the next week, from New York, Toronto and London with over than 600 Olim.

The JAFI delivered that amongst 2,700 new Olim who arrived during the last months,
about 1,000 came from western countries and over 62- from Northern America (the USA and Canada). Despite the security situation, growth in Aliyah took place during seven first months of the year, as from the beginning of this year until the end of July 2,426 Olim arrived to Israel from Western Europe countries, compared with 2,226 during parallel period of the previous year. 1.331 Olim arrived from North America compared with 1'265 during parallel period of the previous year.

As stated, in addition to the Olim airplane which is to land tomorrow (Thu.) with over 240 Olim from North America on board, Olim will also arrive from western countries by 3 special flights during les than one week. Over 600 new Olim will arrive on next Wednesday (August 16) by 3 special flights from New York, Toronto and London. It will be the first time a special Olim flight will arrive from Brittan. 150 Olim will be on board of this airplane.

JAFI chairman, Ze'ev Bielski referred to the growing Aliyah wave, saying: "There is no better answer to our enemies than the continuation of immigration of thousands of hundreds Jews for reinforcing the state of Israel".