This week promises to be a very productive week for Aliyah [immigration to Israel]. Among the 835 new immigrants expected to arrive in Israel this week are 301 from the former Soviet Union, 60 from Argentina, 15 from Canada - and 359 who are arriving on a special flight from the United States. The group will arrive on a special El Al flight organized by the Nefesh B\'Nefesh organization, with help from the Jewish Agency, the Ministry of Absorption, and the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews. Another 170 American Jews are planning Aliyah this summer in the Nefesh B\'Nefesh framework.
The Jewish Agency reports that the American media has been showing great interest in the fact that Jews are making aliyah today. Two somewhat contradictory motivations were noted: a desire to show genuine solidarity with Israel during difficult times, and the threatened attacks on Jewish institutions in the US.
Aliyah from France is also particularly impressive this summer. Last week, 64 French Jews came to live in Israel, and some 400 French Jews have already made pilot tours to Israel this year. These include a group of 19 physicians, pharmacists, and physiotherapists who arrived last week. Towards the end of this month, a group of some 45 French dentists will arrive on a similar pilot tour.
The Jewish Agency reports that the American media has been showing great interest in the fact that Jews are making aliyah today. Two somewhat contradictory motivations were noted: a desire to show genuine solidarity with Israel during difficult times, and the threatened attacks on Jewish institutions in the US.
Aliyah from France is also particularly impressive this summer. Last week, 64 French Jews came to live in Israel, and some 400 French Jews have already made pilot tours to Israel this year. These include a group of 19 physicians, pharmacists, and physiotherapists who arrived last week. Towards the end of this month, a group of some 45 French dentists will arrive on a similar pilot tour.