JERUSALEM, Aug. 2, 2024
/PRNewswire/ -- Yesterday, the International Fellowship of
Christians and Jews (The Fellowship), in partnership with the
Ministry of Aliyah and Integration and the Jewish Agency for
Israel, welcomed an aliyah
flight of 155 new French immigrants at Ben Gurion Airport. This
latest flight brings the number of French olim (immigrants)
who have arrived in Israel since
the outbreak of the war to more than 1,000.
The flight was greeted with an emotional ceremony attended by
Ofir Sofer, Israeli Minster of
Aliyah and Integration; Ayelet Shiloh
Tamir, the Director General of The Fellowship's Israel office; and Yaakov Hagoel, Chair of the World Zionist
Organization.
According to the latest data, more than 24,000 people have made
aliyah (immigrated) to Israel from dozens of countries since
October 7, a massive 520 percent
reported increase in new applications as compared to the same
period last year—from France
alone, over 7,000 new applications compared to 1,200 the year
before. Among the top reasons cited by olim to move is a
clear desire to live in Israel and
be part of the modern Zionist experience—a desire which has become
increasingly urgent in light of the ongoing war.
Among the olim are Duli and
Yonatan Gluch and their two children, who will be moving to
Ashdod. Duli acknowledges that growing antisemitism in France made the decision to move more urgent:
"I have become more and more afraid to allow my kids go outside
with a kippah. In our neighborhood, it's gotten very scary,
with signs all over the place supporting the Palestinians and the
sense that, as Jews, we are being targeted."
Yonatan said that several months ago while driving, another car
stopped him and two people jumped out, brandishing a knife. "They
saw I was a Jew—I know that's why they wanted to attack me. We
don't feel protected in France,
and we simply can't sit back and wait for an October 7th type attack to happen
here."
The new immigrants will reside in communities throughout
Israel, including Netanya,
Raanana, Hadera, Givat Shmuel, and Ashdod. In recent months, the
Ministry and the Jewish Agency have intensified Aliyah operations
in France, supporting the
practical and financial needs of tens of thousands of new
immigrants each year.
Yael Eckstein, President and CEO
of The Fellowship said, "Even in the height of a devastating war,
we are blessed to see people recognizing that Israel remains the spiritual and physical land
that we call home. Together with our partners and with the support
of our hundreds of thousands of donors around the world, we are
committed to working tirelessly to help Jews come home to
Israel. Days like this serve as a
deeply emotional and inspiring reflection of the strength of
Zionism. We congratulate all these families and will continue to
support their journey as they acclimate into their new lives."
Ofir Sofer, Minister of Aliya and
Integration said: "Every aliyah of Jews excites the country
anew, but those who are arriving now, especially since October 7, are particularly moving and provide
support to the entire nation. We are working to encourage the
aliyah of Jews from all over the world, while also striving
to ease the integration of olim in all areas of life, from
assistance with rent or home purchases to employment, academic
studies, Hebrew studies, and community support. I call upon the
public in Israel—welcome them as they are arriving right now. Let
the olim feel part of the Israeli public."
Yaakov Hagoel, Chairman of the
World Zionist Organization said: "As the world observes the
achievements and dreams coming true at the Olympics, we are
witnessing the realization of dreams for Jewish immigrants from
France despite the most
challenging period in Israel's
history. While airlines cancel flights to Israel and travel warnings are issued
globally, 155 new immigrants (olim) from France have arrived to establish their new
home here. I wish them all a warm welcome, a supportive community,
and abundant opportunities on their life-changing
journey in Israel."
Amira Ahronovitz, CEO of the Jewish Agency said: "Aliyah
is a key element in building Israel's strength and resilience. Since the
war broke out, more than 20,000 olim arrived in Israel from all corners of the world. Each and
every one of these olim is part of the story we all share.
Their decision to make aliyah, precisely now, reflects the
deep and existential partnership between Israel and the global Jewry. The Jewish Agency
will continue to strengthen the Jewish communities and assist any
Jew who wishes to immigrate to Israel, together with its partners in
Israel and around the world."
About the International Fellowship of Christians and
Jews
For more than 40 years, The International Fellowship of
Christians and Jews (The Fellowship) has been the leading
non-profit building bridges between Christians and Jews, blessing
Israel and the Jewish people
around the world with humanitarian care and lifesaving aid. In
2023, the Fellowship helped more than 2 million people living in
poverty, helped thousands make aliyah back to their
homeland, Israel, and helped
strengthen Israel's security
infrastructure. To learn more about the Fellowship's work, visit
www.ifcj.org.
About Yael
Eckstein
As President and CEO of The International
Fellowship of Christians and Jews (The Fellowship), Yael
Eckstein oversees all programs and serves as the international
spokesperson for the organization. With over a decade of non-profit
experience in multiple roles, Yael has the rare distinction of
being a woman leading one of the world's largest religious
charitable organizations. In 2021, she launched her podcast,
Nourish Your Biblical Roots, in which she shares spiritual insights
and lessons from the Torah, and invites leading Christian and
Jewish thought leaders to discuss Jewish-Christian relations and
Israel's significance on the world
stage. She is the 2023 recipient of the Jerusalem Post's
Humanitarian Award, and in 2020, 2021 and 2023, was named to the
publication's list of 50 Most Influential Jews. Born and raised
outside of Chicago, Yael is based
in Israel with her husband and
their four children.
Media Contact: Press@ifcj.org
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SOURCE International Fellowship of Christians and Jews