Article provided by International Christian Embassy Jerusalem
A chartered flight with 130 Jewish families onboard left Paris at 12h30 today and is presently on route to Tel Aviv.
The flight, sponsored by the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem (ICEJ), is the latest chapter in a remarkable 16-year partnership with the Jewish Agency of Israel.
The ICEJ’s commitment to French aliyah began in the wake of Operation Cast Lead, the 2009 Gaza war, which triggered a sharp and sustained rise in antisemitic violence across France. Thousands of French Jews have been sponsored since 2010 and also assisted with immediate integration needs.
In the aftermath of the October 7, 2023 massacre and the subsequent war, France is witnessing an astonishing new wave of aliyah.
Once more, the ICEJ is at the forefront, facilitating flights for those answering the call to come home.
The latest aircraft from Paris, filled with 130 olim ranging from young families to retirees, symbolizes both a physical journey and a spiritual homecoming.
“Since 2010, we have witnessed a consistent and profound yearning among French Jews to make Israel their permanent home,” said David Parsons ICEJ senior spokesperson. “Today’s flight of 130 olim is not a flight from something, but a flight to something—to identity, to destiny, to family. We are blessed to walk alongside them in their first steps.”
On board were the Ohayon family, parents David and Sarah and their three young children, who left behind a comfortable life in Marseille.
“We were never in physical danger every single day, but our souls were in exile,” Sarah shared, tears in her eyes as she cradled her youngest. Here in Israel, my children will breathe Jewish air. They will learn Torah in the land of our ancestors. We have dreamed of this since we were married. The ICEJ made it possible.”
The Christian Embassy’s support does not end at the arrival gate.
In coordination with partners on the ground, we provide new immigrants with integration needs, professional retraining programs, and a warm embrace that says, you are not alone.
(Howard Flower ICEJ Aliyah director)
To get involved/ find out more:
www.icej.org.za/aliyah
office@icej.org.za
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Date published: 09/07/2026
Feature image and content images: Provided by source; ICEJ
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