(PHOTOS IN EXTENDED ARTICLE)

Nefesh B�Nefesh, in cooperation with the Ministry of Aliyah, The Jewish Agency, KKL-JNF and JNF-USA, welcomed 98 new Olim on Tuesday, 20 Tammuz. Five different EL AL flights carrying Olim from Toronto, Miami, Los Angeles, JFK and Newark arrived throughout the day at Ben-Gurion Airport. The Newark group flight contained 74 Olim, with the youngest Oleh being only 8 months old.

“The next eight weeks are our busiest and most exciting time of year as we work round the clock helping nearly 2000 Olim realize their dream of Aliyah,� said Co-Founder and Executive Director of Nefesh B�Nefesh, Rabbi Yehoshua Fass. �We wish each and every one of today�s 100 Olim, who are kickstarting our summer Aliyah season, a smooth acclimation as they build their new lives in the Jewish homeland.�

The new Olim come from a variety of cities from all over North America including Miami, Boulder, Pittsburgh, Los Angeles, Seattle, Atlanta, Chicago, Baltimore, Toronto, and New York. These group flights precede the two Nefesh B�Nefesh charter Aliyah flights, the first landing July 25th, and the second landing August 15th, as well as several more group flights scheduled during the summer months.

�My husband and I have been desperate to make Aliyah for the longest time. Suddenly, the end of the preparations just crept up on us, and now we�re finally here!� said Shira Lankin Sheps, who made Aliyah Tuesday with her family from Fair Lawn, New Jersey. �The reality of the situation keeps hitting me in the little moments. I can�t believe how lucky I am, and I�m so appreciative of the opportunity to be here and to Nefesh B�Nefesh for making it so easy.�

Over 50% of new Olim move to Israel during the summer months, which is a natural transition period for them to settle into their homes and prepare for the upcoming year.

Photos: Group photo and the Sheps family

(YWN Israel Desk � Jerusalem/Photo Credit: Ben Kelmer)