December 27, 2004

A unique pair of sisters is among over 200 immigrants arriving in Israel Wednesday from North America.

The flight carrying the new immigrants is the fourth such El Al flight from North America chartered by Nefesh B'Nefesh organization and the Jewish Agency for Israel this year. More than 3,000 Jews have immigrated from North America through the Nefesh B'Nefesh program.

While Nefesh B'Nefesh immigrants are generally young families and professionals, this week's flight includes two special seniors: Irma Haas, 97, and sister Hilde Meyer, 94, who both survived the Holocaust. Born in Germany, they fled to Holland during World War II, but were ultimately deported to the death camp at Bergen-Belsen. Miraculously, both sisters survived, although their husbands perished. Following the war, the two relocated to America, living the past 50 years in Manhattan and Englewood, NJ.

This Wednesday, they are delighted to realize their lifelong dream of living in Jerusalem.

The 2004 olim (newcomers) come from 33 US States and five Canadian provinces. "As 2004 ends, our young organization has helped thousands of people to begin building new lives in Israel," said Rabbi Yehoshua Fass, founder of Nefesh B'Nefesh. "Our highly regarded absorption system is based on a philosophy of top service, sympathetic support and up-to-date professionalism. The system has helped assure a smooth landing for all our olim."

Of the 1,600 immigrants on Nefesh B'Nefesh's premiere flights in 2002-03, 99% remain in Israel. 93% of the families have one or both spouses employed, 95 children were born to the new olim and 18 weddings were celebrated.

Arutz Sheva's IsraelNationalRadio will be at the airport to cover the arrival live on air. The broadcast can be heard Wednesday on IsraelNationalRadio.com.

© 2004, IsraelNationalNews.com