Ezra Levy, one of the six new olim (immigrants to Israel) who arrived on Friday from Iraq was a guest of the Knesset today. In an emotional voice and with a thick Iraqi accent, he said,
"Shalom to all who are here in the Knesset of Israel. Blessed is He Who revives the dead. She-hecheyanu: [Blessed is He Who] allowed us to live and reach this day! In my name, and in the name of the other olim, I want to thank the Jewish Agency, and especially its head Salai Meridor, and the Babylonian Olim Heritage Center, for their support for us. If I forget thee O Jerusalem, let my right hand wither. Let my tongue cleave to my palate if I do not raise Jerusalem to the height of my joy! Thank you very much."
"Shalom to all who are here in the Knesset of Israel. Blessed is He Who revives the dead. She-hecheyanu: [Blessed is He Who] allowed us to live and reach this day! In my name, and in the name of the other olim, I want to thank the Jewish Agency, and especially its head Salai Meridor, and the Babylonian Olim Heritage Center, for their support for us. If I forget thee O Jerusalem, let my right hand wither. Let my tongue cleave to my palate if I do not raise Jerusalem to the height of my joy! Thank you very much."