Seventeen Syrian Jewish Families from New York Immigrate Together to Ra'anana, Israel

Seventeen immigrants of Syrian Jewish descent from New York have made aliyah to Israel, settling in the city of Ra'anana. The group consists of three families, including 11 children and six adults, all originating from the historic Aleppo Jewish community. This community has maintained its identity and traditions in the United States for generations after relocating from Aleppo, Syria. The families chose to immigrate together to preserve their communal bonds and mutual support during their integration into Israeli society.

Ra'anana was selected to facilitate the absorption process and help the families establish their new homes. Additional families from the same community are expected to arrive next week. This wave of immigration follows a recent arrival of 47 Persian Jewish immigrants from the Mashhad community in New York, who also settled in Ra'anana. One immigrant from the Persian community expressed a deep connection to Jewish history, stating, "We are part of a lineage of Jews exiled from Canaan to Babylon long ago. Now it is time to make aliyah and raise my children as Israelis."

Ophir Sofer, Israel's Minister of Aliyah and Integration, described the arrival of the Syrian Jewish families as a significant and moving event. He emphasized that these young families are leaving established lives in the U.S. to build their future in Israel, reflecting a renewed Zionist awakening among longstanding Jewish communities. Sofer pledged support for the families as they create new homes and a sense of belonging in Israel.