Despite Iran war, 40 American, Canadian Jews make aliyah ahead of Pesach
Forty North Americans became Israeli citizens Wednesday, including 25 who landed at Ben Gurion Airport and 15 already in Israel who completed the process the same day, just before Passover and during the war with Iran.
The olim came from across the US and Canada and said the security situation did not deter them and in some cases strengthened their decision to make aliyah, according to Nefesh B’Nefesh, which worked with the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration, The Jewish Agency for Israel, Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael, and Jewish National Fund-USA.
Eli Schwartz, a 30-year-old lawyer from Minneapolis, said the war deepened his resolve. “The war actually motivated me even more to make Aliyah,” he said, adding he was more worried about his flight being canceled than the war.
They were welcomed by Aliyah and Integration Minister Ofir Sofer, Nefesh B’Nefesh co-founder Rabbi Yehoshua Fass, and representatives of major Zionist institutions, including Doron Almog, chairman of the executive of The Jewish Agency.
Sofer said continued immigration during rocket fire and other challenges is a source of strength for Israel and that the war and recent Israel Defense Forces achievements are inspiring Jews abroad to come. Rabbi Fass linked the moment to Pesach, saying many are turning “Next year in Yerushalayim” into reality without delaying their plans.
The group, ages 21 to 96, is expected to settle in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Modi’in-Maccabim-Re’ut, Haifa, Ashkelon, Ashdod, Rehovot, and Kiryat Yam. At the same time, 15 immigrants already in Israel visited Population and Immigration Authority offices to receive ID cards and complete the process.
Nefesh B’Nefesh said more than 130 immigrants have arrived from North America since the war with Iran began, about 500 since the start of 2026, with another 110 expected in April. Since the start of Operation Roaring Lion, more than 830 aliyah files have been opened.
Amanda Schuster, a 34-year-old from Baltimore, said she was nervous but undeterred. “I wasn’t deterred. I was even more ready to come. I just want to be part of the country and give back,” she said.
The new arrivals are expected to receive state benefits including expanded Hebrew programs, housing assistance in priority areas, and tax incentives through the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration.
