Yisrael Helprin was named for the Jewish state because they were born on the same day 70 years ago.
Before he was born, his parents had intended to name him after his two grandfathers, but then decided it was more important to commemorate the birth of Israel through their son.
He grew up in a Zionist household in New York and attended Hebrew-speaking summer camps. On his first date with his wife 45 years ago, they talked about how they would like to one day live in Israel.
That day has coincided with Yisrael and Israel’s shared 70th birthday.On Tuesday, Helprin and his wife, Bella, arrived in Israel on aliyah. The couple are moving from Monsey, New York, to Ramat Beit Shemesh, where their daughter and her family live. Four other children and their families remain in the United States.
JTA