Aew immigrant from North America kisses the ground upon arrival at Ben-Gurion International Airport, Aug. 14, 2019. (Flash90)

The joy and excitement is palpable as 242 new immigrants from the US and Canada arrive “home”!

Nefesh b’Nefesh, the leading organization bringing new immigrants to the Jewish state, together with the Jewish Agency for Israel celebrated its 60th chartered flight to Ben-Gurion International Airport this week, which included its 60,000th oleh (immigrant to Israel). The first NBN chartered flight arrived in July 2002.

The 242 new olim (plural for oleh) this week included people of all ages eager to serve the country and raise their families in the Jewish state. Among them were young men and women who will join the IDF as “lone soldiers,” having no close family in Israel.

Watch and feel the excitement!