By Marelinke van der Riet

In a dramatic development this week, the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem sponsored 40 Jewish immigrants (olim) from France on a special Aliyah flight which landed in Israel just hours after the 12-day war with Iran ended. Organized in partnership with The Jewish Agency for Israel and El Al Airlines, this was the first dedicated Aliyah rescue flight since the outbreak of war in Israel, and stands as a powerful testament to the enduring connection between the Jewish people and the Land of Israel even in times of crisis.

The short but intense war between Israel and Iran erupted on June 13, 2025, when Israel launched “Operation Rising Lion, a sweeping campaign of pre-emptive IAF airstrikes and Mossad missions that successfully targeted Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile infrastructure. In response, Iran unleashed a barrage of over 550 missiles and 1,000 drones at Israeli cities and strategic sites, resulting in the deaths of 28 Israelis and extensive damage.

On June 22, the United States entered the conflict with “Operation Midnight Hammer,” deploying B2 stealth bombers to strike key underground Iranian nuclear facilities with heavy bunker-buster bombs. A ceasefire was brokered two days later, on June 24, by U.S. President Donald Trump, bringing an uneasy pause to the most direct and intense confrontation between the two nations to date.

During the war, Israel had imposed a total embargo on all flights in and out of the country, and even moved the entire fleet of El Al planes abroad. Over 100,000 Israelis were stranded outside the country and desperately sought any way they could to get back and help in the conflict. As the air space cautiously opened up once the ceasefire started, a special flight with nearly 110 Jewish immigrants took off from Paris on Wednesday and landed safely at Ben Gurion Airport. The majority of the newcomers came from France, but others arrived from the UK, Spain, the Netherlands and Australia. Many of them had been waiting for weeks for this opportunity to finally come home, and the ICEJ was privileged to sponsor 40 of these new arrivals on their journey to Israel.

Though Israel remains on alert and life is only gradually returning to normal, Aliyah has not stopped. Against all odds, the Jewish people continue returning to their homeland. Remarkably, since October 7, 2023, over 45,000 new olim have arrived from around the world.

Shay Felber, Deputy Director-General for Aliyah and Absorption at The Jewish Agency, confirmed there have been “zero cancellations” from prospective immigrants, despite the just-concluded war with Iran. The Agency is working around the clock to bring 2,500 new olim to Israel by mid-July – utilizing both rescue flights for stranded citizens and dedicated Aliyah flights.

Aliyah and Integration Minister Ofir Sofer emphasized that the Israeli government is mobilizing all available resources – including partnerships with Christian organizations and The Jewish Agency – to ensure that Aliyah continues uninterrupted.

The flight group from Paris included many European Jews fleeing a sharp rise in antisemitism across the continent. For these families, Aliyah was not just a relocation – it was an act of survival, identity and divine destiny.

“We didn’t want our children growing up in fear,” said David Cohen, a new immigrant from Paris. “In Israel, they can be proud of their Jewishness without looking over their shoulder.”

France – home to Europe’s largest Jewish community – has seen a 74% increase in antisemitic attacks in recent years. Synagogues and Jewish schools operate under heavy guard. Many families no longer feel safe. Israel offers them not only refuge, but a land of opportunity – a place where they can contribute to the “Startup Nation” and reconnect with their spiritual heritage.

This flight was far more than a rescue mission – it was a fulfillment of prophecy. Even as rockets fall and wars rage, the Jewish people continue to return to Zion, proving yet again that no force on earth can sever their ancient bond.

For French Jews, Israel represents a new beginning. And for the ICEJ and our global supporters, assisting with Aliyah is an esteemed calling – one we will continue to answer, no matter the cost or circumstance.

The journey home is not over. Help us bring more Jews home by giving towards our global Aliyah efforts today.

Donate at: help.icej.org/aliyah

Video: Courtesy of JAFI

Main photo: The Minister of Immigrant Absorption and other senior officials welcome new olim at Ben Gurion Airport. (Sivan Shachor/GPO)