Hundreds of family, friends, past Olim, and native Israelis came to Ben Gurion Airport to welcome the new Olim who arrived in Israel on Nefesh B’Nefesh’s August 12th Aliyah charter flight. President of Israel Reuven Rivlin and Chairman of the Executive of the Jewish Agency for Israel Natan Sharansky were among the dignitaries who greeted the new Olim during their first hour in Israel.

Though Israel was still in the midst of defending itself during Operation Protective Edge, there was no decrease in Aliyah. The flight of 338 Olim from North America, included 37 families, 107 children, 108 lone soldiers and 37 young professionals. The youngest Oleh was six weeks old, and the oldest Oleh was 93 years old.

“After a very difficult last few weeks, it feels very good to have the opportunity to laugh and to dance and to celebrate,” said Nefesh B’Nefesh Executive Director Rabbi Yehosha Fass in his address to the new Olim.

August 2014 Charter Aliyah Flight Highlights from Nefesh B’Nefesh on Vimeo.

During the summer, Nefesh B’Nefesh saw an increase in Aliyah inquiries according to Nefesh B’Nefesh Post-Aliyah and Employment Director Rachel Berger.
“It’s not for us to be victims anymore,” said Rebecca Abeles, an Olah from California, who will be serving in the Israeli army. “We have a state.  We have an army.  And that’s what clicked for me.”

Rabbi Nosson (Mark) Sachs, who served as a US Army chaplain for over 30 years, and made Aliyah with his family said, “The entire time I was [working in the US], my mind was on coming back home to Israel.  This is the most exciting moment of our lives.”

From pilots to ultrasound technicians, the diverse group of Olim came from all across North America, including Alaska, Quebec, Georgia, Wisconsin and Washington D.C to start their new lives in Israel.