Man Fulfills Ben Gurion's Aliyah Wish, 42 Years Later
In 1969, Ben-Gurion asked Geoffrey Rogg, “Young man, all I want to know is when are you coming to live in Eretz Yisrael?"
By Gil Ronen
First Publish: 11/10/2011, 7:13 PM
Tzipora, Geoffrey Rogg
Yonit Schiller courtesy of Nefesh B'Nefesh
Fifty-two North American Olim (Jewish immigrants to Israel) arrived Thursday on a Nefesh B’Nefesh Group Aliyah Flight. Among them was Geoffrey Rogg, 70, who met David Ben-Gurion while working on an Israel fundraiser in 1969. While updating the former Israeli Prime Minister of his progress, Ben-Gurion’s first response to Geoffrey was, “Young man, all I want to know is when are you coming to live in Eretz Yisrael?"
Forty-two years later, Rogg answered Ben Gurion by landing in the airport named for him -- together with his wife Tzipora.
Also on board the flight was 23-year-old Genna Brand, who is the newest addition to Israel’s National Women’s Soccer champions, ASA Tel Aviv.
Founded in 2002, Nefesh B’Nefesh – in cooperation with the Israeli government and the Jewish Agency for Israel – is dedicated to revitalizing Aliyah from North America and the UK by removing or minimizing the financial, professional, logistical and social obstacles of Aliyah.
The support and comprehensive social services provided by Nefesh B'Nefesh to its 29,000 newcomers has ensured that 97% of its Olim have remained in Israel.
Olim -- group photo. Yonit Schiller courtesy of Nefesh B'Nefesh
Tags: Nefesh B' Nefesh