(Courtesy of Nefesh B’Nefesh) Twenty-four new olim recently landed at Ben Gurion airport through a Nefesh B’Nefesh group aliyah flight in cooperation with the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration, the Jewish Agency, Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael, and Jewish National Fund-USA. The olim included 10 families and singles ranging in age from nine months to seventy-three and two sisters who decided to make aliyah together. The olim hailed from New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland and Pennsylvania.
“It is truly remarkable to see that aliyah is continuing amidst increasingly complex global circumstances,” said Rabbi Yehoshua Fass, co-founder and executive director of Nefesh B’Nefesh. “These new olim, more than ever, represent the strong future of the State of Israel as they are determined to fulfill their dreams of helping to build the Jewish nation. We are ready to assist them throughout their entire aliyah process in order for them to settle into their new homes as smoothly and comfortably as possible during these challenging times.” Special funding has also been allocated to meet support any additional assistance needed at this time.
The new olim moved directly into quarantine for 14 days in cities all across Israel, including Jerusalem, Be’er Sheva, Holon, Modiin, Netanya, Ra’anana, Tzfat and Yad Binyamin. This group flight was one of several planned for 2020.
Among the olim were Aviva and Tzvi Karoly and their two young children: “When we first learned that we would likely be put in mandatory quarantine upon arrival, I was a bit freaked out. However, within minutes of my posting on a Facebook page for the community, I was inundated with volunteers offering to bring us groceries, toys, books and anything else we might need. Complete strangers were literally lining up to help us,” said Aviva Karoly in a goodbye letter to her community of Washington Heights.
“How amazing are the people of Modiin, and we are so excited to be part of this community. There are literally piles of supplies stocked outside our door just waiting for us to come home.”
