| PRIME MINISTER'S STATEMENT TO NEFESH B'NEFESH PARTICIPANTS by IMRA, July 14, 2004 |
| Aliyah is the primary goal of my Government. Encouraging Aliyah and abosorbing olim is the foundation for the future of the Jewish people. Israel is the only place in the world where it is possible for Jews to fully live as Jews. Only here, every Jew can be sure that his children and grandchildren will be Jews, forever. Today when you leave this airport, you take your first steps towards your new lives in the Jewish homeland. You have taken the opportunity to fulfill your birthright and play your part in Israeli society. By coming here, you have sent a strong message to the world that Israel is, and always will be, the eternal homeland for the Jewish people. I know that this was not an easy decision, and you will face many challenges here. But I can promise you that we will do everything we can to help you on this journey home. I have faith in you, the State of Israel is behind you, and the Jewish people are counting on you. We need you here more than ever. Welcome home; your 2000 years of wandering have finally come to an end. And again, I would like to thank you for being with us here. We need you. We have to bring hundreds of thousands of Jews from American to Israel. We need them here. It is important for you, it is important for us. It is important for the Jews all around the world. It is important for Israel. Again, thank you so much, and you are most welcome. Thank you. |
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