Global aid organization's aliyah
(immigration to Israel) effort
continues despite rise in global conflict
TORONTO, April 18,
2024 /CNW/ -- To mark Yom HaAliyah (Aliyah Day) 2024, an Israeli holiday which began
this year on the night of April 17,
the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews of Canada (IFCJ Canada) is honouring its impact
in helping Jews from around the world return to their homeland,
Israel.
In 2023, IFCJ Canada helped more than 1,200 Jewish people make
aliyah (immigration to Israel) from countries around the world. Since
the launch of its aliyah program in 2009, IFCJ Canada has
helped more than 15,000 Jews make aliyah from 13 different
countries, including Ukraine and
Brazil.
"One of the great points of pride for IFCJ Canada is helping
fulfill biblical prophecy by bringing Jews home from 'the four
corners of the earth,'" said Yael
Eckstein, the organization's President.
Aliyah is often a life-changing decision for Jews especially as
they look to flee from the drastic rise in global anti-Semitism
since the attacks of October 7. In
the final two months of 2023 alone, over 2,600 Jewish people
immigrated to Israel.
"The fact that they want to make this journey even during a time
of war in Israel shows how vital
aliyah is. Many olim (immigrants) tell us that it's
the fulfillment of a lifelong dream," Eckstein added.
Aliyah is a key pillar of the more than 2 million people The
Fellowship helps annually. The organization supports olim
both before and after their arrival in the Holy Land. In addition
to arranging "freedom flights," IFCJ Canada also provides
klitah (resettlement) support to new olim, helping
with immigration paperwork, food assistance, education and job
training, and more.
"The heartwarming stories of Jews from around the world stepping
off the plane and feeling an overwhelming sense of comfort, of new
beginning, of belonging, are countless," Eckstein said.
"Being able to help people start a new chapter of their lives in
their biblical homeland is just one way our work brings much-needed
light into the world in these dark times."
The International Fellowship of Christians and
Jews of Canada (IFCJ Canada) was
founded in 2003 to promote better understanding and cooperation
between Christians and Jews and to build broad support for
Israel. IFCJ Canada is a
registered Canadian charity governed by an independent Board of
Directors and led by President Yael
Eckstein. For over 20 years, IFCJ Canada has worked
alongside a network of Fellowship offices worldwide, including in
the United States, Israel, and Korea. Today, The Fellowship is
one of the largest providers of humanitarian aid in Israel and is a leading force helping Jews in
need worldwide. For more information,
visit www.ifcj.ca.
Media Contact:
Jackie Gotwalt
jackie.gotwalt@ifcj.ca
SOURCE International Fellowship of Christians and Jews of
Canada