Nefesh B’Nefesh says 2,000 North American immigrants expected in Israel this summer

Some 45 new immigrants from the United States and Canada have arrived in Israel on the first Nefesh B’Nefesh immigrant flight this summer.

Some 2,000 new immigrants are expected to arrive from North America in the coming weeks, says the organization, which helps facilitate immigration to Israel.

The new immigrants arriving today range from infants to septuagenarians, and include professionals such as engineers, lawyers, educators and a chef.

Another 60 individuals already in Israel have been granted citizenship during the past 24 hours as well, Nefesh B’Nefesh says.

Later this summer, over 220 immigrants will arrive in Israel on the first charter immigration flight since the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. More than 4,430 North Americans have immigrated to Israel since Hamas launched the war against Israel, with more than 13,500 additional requests filed, Nefesh B’Nefesh says.

Twelve additional flights will bring smaller groups throughout the season, the organization notes.

“In other countries, when there is war, people flee the country, but here, people come to the country,” says Minister of Immigration and Absorption Ofir Sofer. “Our job is to welcome the immigrants, embrace them, and build the future of the country with them. The immigrants who are arriving these days are real heroes.”