A touching moment took place yesterday (Tuesday) at Ben Gurion Airport, as 49 new immigrants from France and the former Soviet Union landed in Israel and were inaugurated the new absorption route at Terminal 3, created by the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration.
This new facility marks a significant improvement for immigrants, eliminating cumbersome procedures or moving to another terminal. From now on, immigrants can receive all initial services personally and in one location, such as their absorption package, aliyah certificate, ID card, health insurance, and more.
32,000 Immigrants in 2024
According to the Minister of Aliyah and Integration Ophir Sofer, this is a major step. “In 2024, about 32,000 new immigrants came to Israel, and since the beginning of 2025, more than 4,000 additional immigrants have arrived. The opening of a permanent VIP route at the airport will provide each immigrant with a secure, easy, and respectful start — right from the moment they land. This is a Zionist mission, and we are carrying it out with all our full effort.”
“Every Immigrant Who Chooses to Come Now Demonstrates Strength”
Among those welcoming the immigrants was the chairman of the Jewish National Fund Sam Grunewald, who accompanied the group of immigrants from France together with the head of the New Beginning Church in Texas Pastor Larry Hack, who helped fund the aliyah flight. He stated that these immigrants “represent the deep connection between the Jewish people in the diaspora and the State of Israel.”
Chairman of the Jewish Agency Brigadier General (Res.) Doron Almog reinforced the message, saying, “Every immigrant who chooses to come now, at such a challenging time, demonstrates the strength of the Jewish people and the unbreakable bond between Israel and the Jews of the diaspora.”
The new facility will operate permanently as part of a collaboration between the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration and the Israel Airports Authority, and is expected to serve thousands of new immigrants arriving in the coming months.
