Forty North Americans became Israeli citizens on Wednesday, including 25 who landed at Ben Gurion Airport and 15 already in Israel who completed the process the same day, arriving just before Passover and in the middle of the ongoing war with Iran.

The new immigrants, or olim (new immigrants), came from communities across the US and Canada and said the security situation did not push them away from Israel. In several cases, it strengthened their decision to make aliyah (immigration to Israel), according to Nefesh B’Nefesh, which assisted the group together with the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration, The Jewish Agency for Israel, Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael, and Jewish National Fund-USA.

Among those arriving was Eli Schwartz, a 30-year-old lawyer from Minneapolis, who said the war had actually deepened his resolve. “The war actually motivated me even more to make Aliyah,” he said. “I was more worried about my flight getting cancelled than the war.”

The arrivals were welcomed at the airport by Aliyah and Integration Minister Ofir Sofer, Nefesh B’Nefesh co-founder and executive director Rabbi Yehoshua Fass, and representatives of major Zionist institutions. Sofer currently serves as Israel’s minister of aliyah and integration, while Maj.-Gen. (res.) Doron Almog serves as chairman of the executive of The Jewish Agency. 

“The continuous immigration of Jews choosing to come to Israel, even under rocket fire and despite the many challenges, is a powerful source of strength for the State of Israel,” Sofer said. He added that the war and the Israel Defense Forces’ recent achievements were helping inspire Jews abroad to come and become part of the country.

Fass connected the moment to the upcoming holiday. “As Jews around the world prepare to recite ‘Next year in Jerusalem’ at their upcoming Pessach Seders, we are witnessing individuals who are turning those hopes and prayers into reality,” he said. He added that the newest arrivals were choosing to build their lives in Israel without postponing their plans.

The group, ranging in age from 21 to 96, is expected to settle in cities including Jerusalem, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Modi’in-Maccabim-Re’ut, Haifa, Ashkelon, Ashdod, Rehovot, and Kiryat Yam, according to the organization. In parallel with Wednesday morning’s arrival flight, another 15 immigrants already in Israel visited Population and Immigration Authority offices to receive their Israeli ID cards and complete the aliyah process.

Nefesh B’Nefesh said that since the start of the war with Iran, more than 130 immigrants have arrived from North America. Since the beginning of 2026, about 500 North American olim have made aliyah, and another 110 are expected during April. The organization also said that since the start of Operation Roaring Lion, more than 830 aliyah files have been opened by Jews in North America.

Amanda Schuster, a 34-year-old immigrant from Baltimore, acknowledged the fear surrounding the move but said it did not shake her decision. “I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous,” she said. “I wasn’t deterred. I was even more ready to come. I just want to be part of the country. I want to contribute and give back as much as I can.”

Almog said the decision to immigrate during a period of war and uncertainty reflected a deep bond between Jews and Israel. “Each Oleh brings with them not only personal hope, but a nationwide moral boost and a spirit of partnership,” he said.

The new arrivals are expected to receive a package of state benefits, including expanded Hebrew-language programs, housing assistance in priority areas, and tax incentives offered through the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration.