In the midst of the war against Iran, a new immigrant has arrived in Israel.

Henry Garfinkle, 26, landed at Ben-Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv on Sunday morning and is the first new immigrant since the beginning of Operation Roaring Lion against Iran.

The political scientist arrived in Israel at around 4:45 a.m. His flight was among the first connections able to land in Israel again following the gradual reopening of Israeli airspace. At the airport, he was greeted by family and friends.

On the same day, Garfinkle began his integration program and started a Hebrew course at Ulpan Etzion in Ra’anana. In the long term, he plans to work in his field in Israel as well and contribute professionally.

His immigration was supported by the organization Nefesh B’Nefesh in cooperation with the Israeli Ministry of Immigration and Integration and the Jewish Agency.

Israeli Minister of Immigration and Integration Ofir Sofer commended the young man’s step. “I congratulate Henry on his immigration during the war, after a great and determined effort to reach Israel,” Sofer stated. His decision symbolizes “Zionism, courage, and great love for Israel.”

Garfinkle himself explained that his decision to make aliyah was driven by a deep connection to Israel and a sense of mission. Since he already has family and friends living in the country, he is particularly looking forward to starting a new life here and contributing to Israeli society.

According to the Jewish Agency, more than 50,000 Jewish immigrants have come to Israel since the Hamas terror attack on October 7, 2023.

In recent days, Ben-Gurion Airport had only partially resumed operations after Israeli airspace was temporarily closed during the fighting with Iran. Limited arrivals and departures are now taking place again.

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