14 Tevet, 5765

Over 200 More North Americans to Arrive on Homecoming Flight to Israel Bringing 20-Year Record Total for 2004

Dignitaries to Join Hundreds of Family and Friends to Welcome Nefesh B'Nefesh’s First Ever Winter Flight

(NEW YORK/ JERUSALEM) - Over 200 Jews from the US and Canada will fill this year's fourth chartered El Al plane en route to planting new roots in Israel, December 28. This flight represents the culmination of efforts that will bring nearly 3,000 North American Jews to Israel this year through the Nefesh B'Nefesh organizationand the Jewish Agency for Israel.

While Nefesh B'Nefesh immigrants are generally young families and young professionals, Tuesday's flight includes two special seniors. Irma Haas, 97, and sister Hilde Meyer, 94, who both survived the Holocaust, were born in Germany and then fled to Holland during World War II. They were ultimately deported to the death camp at Bergen-Belsen. Miraculously, both sisters survived, although their husbands perished. The two then relocated to America, living the past 50 years in Manhattan and Englewood, NJ. This Tuesday they are delighted to realize their lifelong dream of living in Jerusalem.

The Olim come from 33 US States and 5 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. In fact, 99% of the individuals we have brought over in the past two and half years are still in Israel."

The formula is working. Of the 1600 newcomers who came to Israel on Nefesh's premiere flights in 2002-03, 99% remain in Israel. 93% of the families have one or both spouses employed, 95 'Sabras' were born to the new Olim (newcomers) and 18 weddings were celebrated.

Press are invited to cover the emotional farewell/ arrival as follows:

Departure: Tuesday December 28, 2004:
JFK Airport. El Al check-in. Red carpet area. 1:00pm

Wednesday December 29, 2004:
Ben Gurion Airport. Meet 8:30am. Terminal 1 (old terminal).

Pre-registration is essential:
ISRAEL: Nadia Levene Cell: (054) 533-7000, nadia@ruderfinn.co.il
US: Mimi Levene US Cell: 516 643 1557, levinem@ruderfinn.com

For further information contact:
Michael Jankelowitz
Liaison to Foreign Press
The Jewish Agency for Israel
Cell: 050-7601706
Voicemail: 02-6202780
e-mail: michaelj@jafi.org