The Jews are a remarkable people. Consider, for instance, that they are the only people who have been violently uprooted from their homeland not once but twice, only to return to that land each time to re-establish their national sovereignty.
Traditionally, the summer months are a peak season for Aliyah, as Jewish families relocate before the Israeli school year starts on September 1. This year, however, there is a heightened urgency due to the global surge in antisemitism. Remarkably, many are choosing to make Aliyah not despite the current conflict, but because of it, as they are driven by a desire to contribute to Israel’s needs during these trying times.
The Jewish Agency for Israel had initially expected around 20 students, but by the end of the month, thanks to the second ICEJ-sponsored flight under the Naale program, the total number of new arrivals reached more than double the expected number, with 18 from Ukraine and 5 from Moldova.
On the Jewish holiday of Simchat Torah last year, the people of Israel awoke to a nightmare. At daybreak on that fateful October 7, red alert sirens sounded across much of the nation, sending millions of Israelis rushing to their bomb shelters as waves of rockets rained down from the skies. Soon it was clear this was no ordinary rocket attack.
It is easy to say the word Aliyah but what it encompasses is life-changing for every person who embraces it. Dislocation from their home, to settle into unfamiliar surroundings with a new language, culture, customs and lifestyle.
To support Israel doesn’t mean supporting everything their government does. So, what does it actually mean? Explore what it really means here…
ICEJ has assisted many tens of thousands of Jews to return to their Homeland in Israel. This year, we are seeing a huge wave of Aliyah requests due to rising antisemitism globally. We trust God to fulfill his promises, and praise him for the incredible atmosphere of hope that was shared at the Never Again Is Now rally in Melbourne recently.
With the threats of rising global antisemitism, many thousands of Jews are making Aliyah to Israel. In April we celebrated a joyful Aliyah Day, and we are expecting a total of 30,000 jews to return to Israel in 2024.
The global rise in antisemitism is all a part of Isaiah’s prophesy – this ‘Cup of Trembling’ will soon be poured out upon those who oppress God’s beloved.
ICEJ attended the graduation of 15 Ethiopian immigrant students. Ethiopian olim have been a large focus of our Aliyah efforts, and we are delighted to give more opportunities to these young people.
Though this war with Hamas has triggered waves of antisemitism worldwide, it also is generating a surge of interest in Aliyah and Israelis joining the IDF. Another wave of Jews from around the world are preparing to come home to Israel.
Many Ethiopian immigrants arrived in Israel only six months before the terrible events of October 7. ICEJ aid and aliyah programs are still very much active despite the increased risks of the war.
Your embassy in Jerusalem for over 40 years.
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