Since February, when war broke out with Iran, The Fellowship and its partners have faced significant challenges in carrying out aliyah Freedom Flights. Airport closures and aerial assaults brought air traffic to a halt. Despite these obstacles, The Fellowship has helped bring 588 olim to Israel since the start of 2026, with flights arriving from South America and Europe.
Rami from Argentina said, “When I was younger, I imagined that it would be too difficult, that I wouldn’t integrate easily, that I’d have trouble learning Hebrew and more excuses. I became a lot more religiously observant in my 40’s. I learned Hebrew and I see things differently now. I understand that Israel is the best place to live a religious Jewish life and I want to do my best to contribute to the country and its people.”
Rami made aliyah before the war began. He recalls experiencing an attack and hearing a siren for the first time, not knowing what was happening or where to go. He began sleeping in his clothes in case he needed to quickly reach the nearest bomb shelter, which was not close by. With the help of his neighbors, Rami gradually adapted. Today, he lives in Tel Aviv with his children, who made aliyah several years earlier, and works as a life coach and Torah teacher.
Last month, The Fellowship flew more than 50 olim—including families, elderly individuals, and lone soldiers—from Europe on a special flight just two weeks before a ceasefire with Iran was reached. The Fellowship will oversee Freedom Flights for 1,200 members of the Bnei Menashe community from India. Despite the difficult conditions created by this crisis, olim remain confident that a better future awaits them in the Holy Land.
“They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations” (Isaiah 61:4).
