Israeli minister visiting near Iran returned to Israel by yacht

Aliyah and Integration Minister Ofir Sofer was forced to cut short a visit to Azerbaijan and was evacuated under tight security through Athens, Cyprus, and finally by yacht to Israel.

Minister of Aliyah and Integration:

'Aliyah sends a powerful message to our enemies'

Israeli Minister of Aliyah and Integration at World Zionist Congress: 'Israel is the home of every Jew. Israel needs you. We need you. And we are waiting for you.'

'Ungrateful'

Haredi MK attacks religious Zionist minister

UTJ's Moshe Gafni lambasted Minister Ofir Sofer for participating in a march calling for haredi conscription. 'He's a minister thanks to us.'

Rare moment of unity:

Government Minister, opposition MK exchange Purim gifts

Minister Ofir Sofer and opposition MK Gadi Eisenkot, whose offices neighbor each other, presented each other with Purim gifts. 'I wish the good relations between us would be the same between everyone in the country.'

Reform in professional licensing for Olim to cut bureaucracy

New reform ends bureaucracy and enables immediate employment for professionals upon Aliyah.

Hundreds of olim celebrate a decade of NCSY Israel

'Building community and support systems are essential tools that help ensure successful integration,' Immigration and Absorption Minister Ofir Sofer stresses.

Moving Up: An Interview with Aliyah Minister Ofir Sofer

Minister Sofer is visiting the USA to encourage aliya - and Nefesh B'Nefesh recently reported a 70% increase in aliyah applications, compared to the previous year, from Western countries. What is the cause of the increase and how can Israel help olim integrate?

MedEX LA:

Encouraging doctors to make Aliyah

First-ever MedEx LA event unites Jewish doctors to strengthen Israel’s healthcare system and to tackle the severe shortage of medical professionals in Israel.

Israeli analyst berates US-born minister for not being 'Israeli'

Amnon Abramovich hinted that Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer, who was born in Florida, was not fit for his position because he did not have 'an Israeli experience.'

Cabinet member calls for unity government

During a ceremony recognizing Prisoners of Zion and victims of antisemitic executions, Minister of Aliyah and Absorption Ofir Sofer said that Israel must have 'unprecedented mutual responsibility and solidarity.'

Hundreds of North Americans make aliyah in a week

Five group aliyah flights landed at Ben Gurion Airport within 24 hours. Over the course of the week (August 20-28), 600 newcomers will make Israel their new home, on 14 group Aliyah flights, offered by Nefesh B’Nefesh.

Minister Sofer: 'Students won't be dragged from Yeshivas'

Minister Sofer: 'The haredim are partners in the military campaign. We can reach respectable numbers without harming the world of Torah.'

Minister to new immigrants: 'Seeing you gives me strength'

NCSY Israel holds special conference ahead of the Shavuot holiday, Immigration and Absorption Minister Ofir Sofer greets new olim: 'Seeing you gives me strength!'

9-year-old girl missing in Tzfat

Widespread search efforts are underway for a girl who disappeared two days ago from her house in southern Tzfat.

Minister Sofer to Arutz Sheva:

'Promote hostage deal, strive for victory'

Minister Ofir Sofer tells Arutz Sheva-Israel National News in an interview that a deal for the release of hostages must be promoted, but one that will ultimately allow for the defeat of Hamas.

Aliyah Minister's son wounded in Gaza

The son of Minister Ofir Sofer, himself a disabled veteran, was lightly wounded in battle in Khan Yunis.

'A shameful event'

Minister Sofer blasts intention to burn Hebrew Bible in Sweden

Aliyah and Integration Minister criticizes plans to burn a Hebrew Bible in Stockholm: I expect the authorities to take immediate action.

Aliyah Minister meets with Israeli-Anglo community rabbis

The meeting was attended by Rabbis of local Israeli communities, which are home to thousands of immigrant families.

Minister awards lone soldiers who made Aliyah

Aliyah Minister Ofir Sofer hosts soldiers who received Presidential Medal of Honor of Excellence on Israel’s 75th Independence Day.

New Jersey:

Hundreds at 'Homecoming BBQ' for soon-to-be immigrants to Israel

Soon-to-be olim from tri-state area attend farewell event in preparation for their upcoming move to Israel in the summer of 2023.

Minister Sofer:

'Important to promote the value of Aliyah in Israeli society'

Aliyah and Integration Minister at Arutz Sheva Conference in NYC: The long exile shaped us as individuals and as a nation.

It's a small world:

Minister Sofer runs into mother of wounded soldier in Miami

Last January, IDF lone soldier Matan Bar was wounded at an army base. Yesterday, Minister Sofer happened to meet his mother in Miami.

Minister Sofer visits Toronto:

'I am impressed with the strength of the local Jewish community'

Minister of Aliyah and Integration holds series of meetings in Toronto, Canada: look forward to helping facilitate Aliyah to Israel.

Israeli Minister in NYC:

'We must act against antisemitism everywhere'

Aliyah Minister Ofir Sofer participates in Holocaust Remembrance Day event hosted by Manhattan Jewish Experience.

Israeli minister visits 770

Minister Ofir Sofer visits 770, gravesite of Lubavitcher Rebbe. 'Great merit to start my trip off with Chabad.'

Good news for olim:

Immigrant Absorption Ministry budget to rise by 220 mil. NIS

Due to the budget increase, funds will be directed to encourage immigration from the US and France and to assist those immigrants.

MK Ofir Sofer:

'I hope a nationalist government will be established'

MK Ofir Sofer maintains cautious optimism but is not yet talking about ministerial portfolios that the party will demand.

MK Ofir Sofer to INN:

'Gantz and Eizenkot will advance the agenda of the extreme left'

Religious Zionism MK warns: A vote for Gantz will return us to the days of Oslo and the rule of Mansour Abbas.

'Joseph's Tomb is ours'

Arabs riot as Jewish worshipers enter Joseph's Tomb

IDF returns fire after terrorists open fire at Jewish worshipers. Head of Samaria Regional Council: The people of Israel are strong.

MK Ofir Sofer:

'We must not concede the Religious Services Ministry'

Religious Zionism MK does not believe Netanyahu will form a government with Gantz at the expense of his party.

Opposition MK proposes solution to political impasse

Religious Zionism MK suggests making 100% stipend for discharged soldiers contingent on completing degree course.

'For three days of school, we'll be paying a high price'

'Starting school on time may put thousands of families in quarantine over the holidays,' MK Ofir Sofer says.

MK Sofer: This government is one big bluff

Religious Zionist MK expresses concern about the new government.

'We will not enter the government, you can stop this joke'

MK Sofer to Arutz Sheva: We should all beware of incitement but there are voices that need to be expressed.

MK Ofir Sofer: There will be no government with Ra'am

MK Ofir Sofer: The initiative for direct election of a Prime Minister is the most appropriate solution in the current political situation.

MK Ofir Sofer: I am not too optimistic

MK Ofir Sofer says it is possible to form a right-wing government, but he is not optimistic about that happening.

MK Ofir Sofer to Yamina: Do not drag us to petty games

MK Ofir Sofer of the Religious Zionist Party comments on Bezalel Smotrich's announcement that the party will run separately from Yamina.

Yamina MK: There's a crisis, yet there's no budget

MK Ofir Sofer speaks about budget crisis, calls on Blue and White to support establishment of a commission of inquiry.

Get tested to enter the lottery

Health Ministry, Israel Lotto launch daily lotteries for people who get tested for coronavirus with prizes of up to NIS 10,000.

'UAE agreement creates new axis with an Arab-Muslim state'

Yamina MK: The Israeli government must expand construction in all parts of our country - in the Galilee, the Negev, Judea and Samaria.

'What is the price we paid for normalizing ties?'

MK Ofir Sofer demands to know what price Israel paid in the agreement with the United Arab Emirates.

'Netanyahu did not fulfill his election promise'

MK Ofir Sofer says Land of Israel lobby will have to work hard to prevent dangerous situations for settlement.

Complaint filed against Joint List MK

MK Ofir Sofer complains against MK Ofer Cassif after he called for a civil uprising during a radio interview.

'Prepare for mass Aliyah and encourage it'

MK Ofir Sofer visits Nefesh B'Nefesh and hears about the challenges in wake of a great demand for Aliyah to Israel.

'We must not agree to a Palestinian state'

We intend to live in the Land of Israel forever, we don't know who will come after Trump and say we agreed to the concessions in the maps.

'We will stop a plan establishing a Palestinian state'

MK Ofir Sofer claims that Netanyahu did not really want Yamina in the coalition.

Yamina MK welcomes unity: Gantz showed responsibility

MK Ofir Sofer on Gantz's decision to break up Blue and White: The losers are those who did not think about the good of the people of Israel.

Yamina MK: 61 seats? It's possible

MK Ofir Sofer warns that indifference by supporters of the right could affect the results of the election.

'The religious public needs one party'

MK Ofir Sofer: The current political situation requires the establishment of a unity government.

'Eliminate terrorists, don't just capture them'

MK Ofir Sofer says PM's promise to build 300 homes near site of deadly terror attack could be pre-election promise which goes unfulfilled.

Yamina to Netanyahu: 'Jewish blood has become worthless'

Right-wing Knesset members slam Israel's policies for handling terror, demand creation of checkpoints, worse treatment for terrorists.

MK demands Shin Bet investigate rape of 7-year-old

MK Ofir Sofer demands PM order Shin Bet to investigate after 7-year-old abducted from her school and raped.

'Even the PA recognizes Israel's right to annexation'

MK Eli Cohen says Palestinian Authority recognizes Israel's right to sovereignty. Min. Erdan: Trump view a 'step in the right direction.'

'Liberman lost mandate to sit in right-wing government'

MK Ofir Sofer (Union of Right-Wing Parties) sees MK Avigdor Liberman as the sole person responsible for the repeat elections.

'End this stalemate and get to work'

United Right MK Ofir Sofer says haredi society is changing, discourse should focus on merit of serving in IDF instead of on obligation.

'Act decisively and eliminate terrorism'

National Union party protests Defense Minister Liberman's response to Hamas terror.

'All cities in the Galilee will become mixed'

National Union Secretary-General Ofir Sofer says Arab MK Ahmed Tibi's comments last week reveal 'Arab leadership's true plan.'

'The Arabs' audacity and our loss of deterrence is disturbing'

National Union leader says near-lynch of Jewish children is the result of a lack of deterrence, weak policies.

'Elor and his family are on the right road'

Head of National Union party who mediated between Azariya family and IDF says decision not to go to Supreme Court is the right one.

'Netanyahu's legacy is a Palestinian state in Area C'

National Union party's secretary-general blasts decision to build housing units in Qalqiliya at the expense of Jews.