Israel’s Latest Victory Over Hamas: Welcoming Home 228 New Citizens

July 23, 2014

3 min read

Despite the tense security situation in Israel for the past 16 days, and the threat of constant rocket attacks, 228 new immigrants from the United States and Canada arrived at Tel Aviv’s Ben-Gurion Airport Tuesday morning, becoming Israel’s newest citizens.

The mass immigration was organized by Nefesh B’Nefesh in collaboration with the Ministry of Immigration and Absorption, The Jewish Agency for Israel, Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael and JNF-USA.

Among the immigrants was a soon-to-be-bride by the name of Ilana Barta, 23, from Teaneck, New Jersey. Wedding dress in hand, Ilana arrived just one month before her wedding. During an interview with Israeli media, Ilana said that her fiance, Akiva, is an officer in the paratrooper corps who is currently on assignment in Gaza. She has not heard from him since the fighting began.

Ilana reiterated that her decision to move to Israel was not based solely on her fiance, but also because of her deep love she has always felt for Israel and the Jewish people. She plans to study medicine at the Technion Institute in Haifa beginning in the fall.

Another immigrant, Sarah Bergman  aged 31 from Connecticut, immigrated with her husband and four children. She said that “our family back in the US is somewhat concerned about the current conflict in Israel, but they knew that nothing would be stopping us. The conflict of course concerns us a little as well, but the idea of postponing our flights never entered our mind.”

The flight consisted of 29 families, 100 children including 39 girls and 61 boys, and 54 singles. Among the immigrants there are quite a few planning to live in Israel’s south and north, as part of a joint project to settle new immigrants in the Negev and the Galilee. Those who are planning to live in the south received special briefings about the security situation, such as information about trauma counseling and support from English-speaking Olim (immigrants) living in the area.

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“We have prepared the children for immigrating to a new country, and we also showed them videos of what the current situation in Israel is like. We are as excited now about the idea of moving here as we were a month ago,” said Bergman.

In a speech made to the immigrants, Immigration and Absorption Minister Sofia Landver welcomed them with excitement.

Ilana Barta arriving in Israel, wedding dress in hand, July 22, 2014. (Photo: Shahar Arzan)
Ilana Barta arriving in Israel, wedding dress in hand, July 22, 2014. (Photo: Shahar Arzan)

“It is not an easy decision to immigrate to Israel, and even more so in times like these. But it is the brave decision, the correct decision,” she said. “The continuation of mass immigration of families and children to Israel, especially in times of crisis, strengthens all of us and send a clear message that Israel is the one and only home of the Jewish People. Welcome Home.”

Natan Sharansky, Chairman of the Jewish Agency, also welcomed the new arrivals. “The fact that so many Jews from Western Countries have decided to join us of their own free will, sends a clear and eternal message to those who wish to destroy us. This flight is the next step in the ingathering-of-the-exiles and we welcome you, the new Israelis, who have returned home,” he stated.

Tuesday’s arrival is the second major wave of immigrants from western Countries over the last few weeks since increased tensions. The first group arrived last week from France.

Tuesday’s flight landed hours before an FAA directive came out cancelling all flights from US operators to Israel, making travel to and from Israel that much harder. Other international airlines followed suit cancelling flights to a variety of European locations, disrupting travel plans and angering passengers.

The message that these immigrants bring is clear. Support for Israel in the face of violence, terrorism, and anti-Semitism displayed by the rest of the world.

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