I’m sitting at the Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv, Israel, surrounded by the warm sunshine and the hum of activity. My good friend Shmuelik, from Karen Hayesod, is by my side, and we’re about to welcome a group of 140 Jewish refugees who fled Ukraine via Hungary. As we wait for the plane to arrive, I can’t help but feel a mix of emotions – excitement, gratitude, and a sense of responsibility.

This is no ordinary aliyah, Shmulik reminds me. These people are not just leaving one country for another; they’re escaping a war. They’re leaving behind everything familiar, with nothing but the clothes on their backs and a small bag containing their most precious belongings. It’s a daunting thought, but also a reminder of the incredible resilience and hope that these individuals possess.

As we prepare to welcome them, I’m struck by the magnitude of what we’re about to do. We’re not just providing a warm welcome; we’re helping to change the course of their lives. We’re giving them a second chance, a chance to start anew in a place where they can be safe and free.

I think back to the countless hours, days, and weeks that have gone into making this moment possible. The efforts to evacuate people from under fire, to provide aid and support on the ground, and to settle refugee camps along the border – it’s been a monumental task. And now, here we are, on the brink of making it all come together.

As the plane begins to land, I can feel the anticipation building. I glance over at Shmulik, and he gives me a nod. It’s time to go out there and welcome these new immigrants.

The plane doors open, and out come Anna and her fellow refugees, weary but hopeful. They’ve traveled far and wide, facing unimaginable challenges along the way. I’m struck by Anna’s story – she’s from Kharkiv, a city that was under siege when she left. She shares with me the horrors she witnessed, the fear that gripped her as she left behind everything familiar.

But even in the midst of such chaos, Anna’s eyes shine with a sense of hope. She’s grateful for the opportunity to start anew in Israel, to leave behind the trauma and find solace in a new home.

As we watch Anna and her fellow refugees make their way through customs, I’m filled with gratitude. We’re not just doing this work; we’re making it possible for people like Anna to rebuild their lives. We’re giving them a chance to start anew, to find hope in a place where they once thought they’d never find it.

And as we say goodbye to our new friends and head back to our own lives, I know that this is just the beginning. There will be more flights to welcome, more stories to hear, and more challenges to overcome. But for now, I’m filled with a sense of pride and purpose. We’re not just welcoming refugees; we’re giving them a second chance at life.