From the Aleppo community in New York to a home in Ra'anana: 17 immigrants of Syrian descent arrived in Israel today
Three families from the Syrian-Jewish community in the United States landed this morning in Israel and immigrated together as a group of 17, including 11 children; the families will settle in Ra'anana, and additional families from the community are expected to arrive next week.
A moving moment was recorded this morning (Thursday) at Ben Gurion Airport with the landing of three families from the Syrian-Jewish community in the United States, who immigrated together from New York to settle in Israel. The group consists of 17 immigrants — 11 children and six adults — who have chosen to make their new home in the city of Ra'anana.
This is a unique and unusual immigration move among members of the Aleppo community. It is one of the oldest, most cohesive, and well-established Jewish communities in the US, with roots in the city of Aleppo in Syria, and whose families settled in America many generations ago. Over the years, the community has excelled in the strict preservation of its traditions, institutions, and unique identity. Now, there is a growing awakening among its members to consider the possibility of immigrating to Israel.
The uniqueness of the current immigration lies in the joint decision of the families to take the step together as a cohesive group. The group move will allow them to maintain the familiar community support network even within the new living environment in Israel. The choice of Ra'anana, known for absorbing immigrants and for its supportive community environment, is intended to ease the first stages of adjustment for the children and parents.
This wave of immigration is expected to continue as early as next week, with the arrival of additional families from the community. This move joins another group of immigrants, members of the Persian-Jewish community from New York, who landed in Israel last week and also chose to establish their home in Ra'anana.
Minister of Aliyah and Integration, Ofir Sofer, stated:
"The immigration of the three families from the Aleppo community is an exciting and significant event. These are young families who are choosing to leave established lives in the United States, to arrive together in Israel, and to raise their children here. This group immigration reflects a Zionist awakening among old and established Jewish communities and illustrates the power of the community to turn the dream of immigration into a concrete step. We welcome the families and will accompany them on their way to building a home, a future, and a sense of belonging in Israel."
