LIVE: Wednesday, August 20, 2025 | 7 AM ISR | 12 AM EST
On August 20 at 7AM (IST) 225 Olim from North America will arrive at Ben Gurion Airport aboard Nefesh B’Nefesh’s 65th charter Aliyah flight. This flight, carried out in partnership with Israel’s Ministry of Aliyah & Integration, The Jewish Agency for Israel, Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael, and Jewish National Fund-USA, marks the first charter flight since the Iron Swords War began, underscoring an extraordinary commitment to the Zionist dream in the face of ongoing regional conflict.
The Olim on this flight will join over 90,000 newcomers who have made Aliyah with the assistance of Nefesh B’Nefesh and its partners, since its inception in 2002.
Coming onboard are 45 families, including 125 children, 10 singles, and 3 retirees. Among the Olim are 5 doctors and 19 healthcare professionals, who will soon join the ranks of Israel’s robust medical system. Over 30 Olim arriving on this flight are part of the Nefesh B’Nefesh–KKL Go Beyond initiative, focusing on strengthening Jerusalem and Israel’s peripheral regions.
This year’s charter flight will feature a pilot initiative, where representatives from Israel’s Ministry of Aliyah & Integration and the Population and Immigration Authority will issue Teudot Zehut (Israeli ID’s) and distribute Teudot Oleh (immigration certificates) mid-flight, allowing the newcomers to officially finalize their Aliyah process before landing.
The new Olim hail from cities and communities across North America, including New Jersey, New York, Georgia, Illinois, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Florida, Ontario, Washington, Ohio, Iowa, and beyond. Their destinations in Israel range from Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and Modi’in to Beersheba, Haifa, and Zikhron Ya’akov. Professionally, the Olim span a wide array of fields, including medicine, education, engineering, law, finance, and more.
As the nation continues to heal, this charter Aliyah flight serves as a powerful reminder of the growing future of Israel.
About Nefesh B’Nefesh (www.nbn.org.il)
Founded in 2002, Nefesh B’Nefesh is dedicated to addressing the evolving national needs of the State of Israel through four key pillars: Aliyah, National Service, National Development, and Zionist Education. Each of these pillars is strengthened by expanded services designed to benefit the broader community. In partnership with Israel’s Ministry of Aliyah and Integration, The Jewish Agency for Israel, Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael, and JNF-USA, Nefesh B’Nefesh’s comprehensive support and social services have successfully empowered over 90,000 North American Olim to integrate into Israeli society, achieving an impressive 90% retention rate. This ensures their long-term commitment to building meaningful lives in Israel and contributing to the nation’s growth.
Written in collaboration with Nefesh B'Nefesh