Hundreds of young Jews beginning a year in Israel with Bnei Akiva were welcomed to the country Thursday in a festive ceremony in Jerusalem. The ceremony took place in Armon Hanatziv, overlooking the Old City.
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The head of World Bnei Akiva, Ze'ev Schwartz, was present at the ceremony, as was Solly Sacks, the director of World Mizrachi. Jewish Agency Chairman Natan Sharansky was unable to attend the event, but sent a message expressing pride in Bnei Akiva's young members for spending a year in Israel.
Three hundred young adults from 12 countries are taking part in the Hachshara gap-year program this year. Organizers expressed hope that over the course of the year, participants would strengthen their connection to Israel and the Jewish people – and that some will make aliyah (immigrate).