“It is truly remarkable to see that Aliyah is continuing amidst increasingly complex global circumstances,” said Rabbi Yehoshua Fass, NBN co-founder and executive director.
Notwithstanding the coronavirus pandemic, 24 new immigrants from America landed at Ben Gurion International Airport on Thursday thanks to Nefesh B’Nefesh (NBN), a nonprofit organization, that promotes, encourages and facilitates Aliyah from the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom.
The olim (immigrants to Israel) – hailing from New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland and Pennsylvania – included families and singles, ranging from nine months old to 73 years of age. They will be moving to communities across the country, including Jerusalem, Be’er Sheva, Holon, Modi’in, Netanya, Ra’anana, Tzfat and Yad Binyamin.
“It is truly remarkable to see that Aliyah is continuing amidst increasingly complex global circumstances,” enthused Rabbi Yehoshua Fass, NBN co-founder and executive director.
“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,” Fass said.
Complying with the regulations limiting social interaction, NBN has set up a hotline to help the olim, who entered a 14-day quarantine immediately.
“When we first learned that we would likely be put in mandatory quarantine upon arrival, I was a bit freaked out,” said New York City native Aviva Karoly, who has chosen the central Israeli city of Modi’in as her new home. “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.
“How amazing are the people of Modi’in, 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.”
NBN works in conjunction with The Jewish Agency, Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael and Jewish National Fund-USA. Another 20 olim are expected to arrive over the next couple of weeks.
