Prime Minister Ehud Olmert welcomed 235 new immigrants from North America in a ceremony at Ben Gurion Airport on Monday morning, saying that they were the answer to the threats faced by Israel.

It was Olmert's first public appearance since the police recommended that he be indicted on various corruption-related charges. Olmert refused to respond to reporters' questions on the matter.

"Our greatest advantage is the quality of our people. You came from a wonderful country but you have come to the most wonderful country in the world. The Jewish people have only one home and it is here. We are happy that you are here with us," Olmert told the new immigrants. "It's true that we face dangers and threats, but they cannot harm the State of Israel. The State of Israel will live forever as a Jewish state in the Land of Israel. The olim are the answer to any threat."

Olmert praised Israel's economic achievements, adding, "America is here."

mert joked with Coalition Chairman Yoel Hasson, who also attended the ceremony, and said he hoped the single olim would soon find partners.

"I would just like to inform you that Hasson is also single," he said. "Hasson is a member of Kadima, he will be one of the party's senior leaders, and it will remain a leading party in Israel."

Olmert distributed immigrant ID cards to the olim, who arrived on the joint Jewish Agency for Israel and Nefesh B`Nefesh program.

Among the immigrants were a three-month-old baby, an 84-year-old woman and 91 young adults looking to study or join the military, Army Radio reported.