About 50 immigrants from 26 different US states landed at Ben Gurion Airport today • This is the opening shot for the expected wave of immigration this summer • 50% increase in immigration requests compared to last year

• Landing at Ben Gurion Airport

  Photo: 

  Yonit Schiller

The "Soul in the Soul" air train is underway: In the shadow of the Corona crisis, about 50 new immigrants from the "Soul in the Soul" organization, coming from 26 different countries in the United States, landed in Israel on a group flight today. This immigrant flight represents the opening shot for the expected wave of immigration later this summer.

The immigration was made with the help of the Mental Soul Organization, in collaboration with the Ministry of Immigration and Immigration, the Jewish Agency, the JNF and JNF-USA. Couples and individuals, ranging in age from one year to age 87, who come from various states across the United States and are expected to reside nationwide.

Among the states from which the new immigrants came: Wisconsin, Texas, New York, Florida, North Carolina and Ohio. On the flight, there were also newcomers to four - five dogs, who would begin their new journey in Israel. Minister of Immigration and Absorption, MK Pnina Tamano Shaw: "I welcome the new immigrants who arrived in Israel this morning. Even during the Corona, Israel's gates are open to Diaspora Jews as far as possible within the Corona's limits. We expect a welcome and massive increase in the number of immigrants at the end of the Corona, and more so in the coming years. Accordingly, we are preparing for a comprehensive national program to encourage immigration and the absorption of immigrants in the best possible way. It is important to note that our work does not end at Ben Gurion Airport with the arrival of our rising brothers and sisters, but continues all the way with escorting immigrants in all walks of life. "

Rabbi Yehoshua Fess, founder and CEO of Nefesh B'Nefesh, said: "We are delighted to open the expected wave of immigration this summer. Thousands of immigrants are expecting and excited to come to Israel, the thrill even doubled due to the fact that all immigrants chose not to give up, despite the new and challenging reality of the Zionist dream realization process. We are committed to assisting them throughout the immigration process with the aim of being able to settle into their new homes and acclimate to Israeli society as comfortably and smoothly as possible during this challenging period. "

This increase comes after May 2020 was a record month of all time, since "Mental Soul" was established 18 years ago, with a 100% increase in interest in immigration from North America, compared to the numbers in May last year, as first published in Israel Today. The organization notes that in April 2020, there was a 50% increase in immigrant requests for immigration, compared to April 2019.  

Nearly 800 families and individuals filed online applications in May, with only 424 immigration applications filed in May 2019. The average age of immigrant applicants last month was 28, and about two-thirds of applications submitted are due for immigration by 2020. Esti Brockheim, a new immigrant from Houston Texas , Who arrived in Israel today, said: "I've had a lot of concerns lately in light of the challenging situation the whole world is facing. I was so glad I got on the plane knowing that I was about to start my new life in Israel. I'm excited about building my new future here. "

In light of the current situation, "Mental Soul" has allocated a new call center for the new immigrants, which will allow the organization to keep as closely as possible and provide the immigrants with the necessary support. In addition, special budgets were allocated, with the aim of providing additional assistance if needed.