The reality of life in Israel never ceases to present its citizens with challenges and tests. The natives among us -- we who were born and raised in Israel -- have already experienced more than enough wars and military operations, and we are used to difficult situations in which soldiers work day and night and the homefront is mobilized.
We have also benefited from the tens of thousands of Jews who have carried out the ultimate Zionist act and immigrated to Israel from North America. For them, the Israeli reality is far from the routines they were accustomed to. They made aliyah by choice, not by necessity. They made complicated decisions, based on deep motives.
Despite everything, with Operation Protective Edge in its second week and rocket fire against Israel continuing, more than 2,000 immigrants from North America will arrive in Israel this summer, having decided to leave behind their comfortable and quiet communities and make aliyah. These immigrants, undeterred by the ongoing military operation and rocket fire, are the new heroes of Israel. It is more necessary than ever for them to explain to their families and friends why they chose to live their lives in Israel, particularly during a time like this. The Israeli government, Israeli society and the Nefesh B'Nefesh organization will be with them the entire way -- starting at the airport and continuing along the complex path of the absorption process.
These newcomers will join thousands of other immigrants who live among us and have become an integral part of Israeli society. In every home, classroom, army unit and workplace, native Israelis meet immigrants who have joined the Israeli experience. For immigrants, Operation Protective Edge is a seminal event that reaffirms the choice they made, as well as their dedication to Israel, regardless of time, place or security situation.
Needless to say, new immigrants add another layer to the political, economic, social resilience of Israeli society. Their immigration to Israel at this time represents a bright shining light that truly strengthens Israel's values. The heroism of immigrants does not end with their decision to leave their easy lives behind. This heroism is also represented by the thousands of immigrants serving as lone soldiers in the IDF and the immigrants who left successful careers and are facing the challenge of taking their first steps in the Israeli marketplace. The courage and strength of these immigrants, including families with children, some of whom arrived in Israel in recent days and did not hesitate making their homes in the south, are inspirational. The lasting contributions immigrants make to education, culture and the economy in peripheral communities are unquantifiable.
Even with the difficulties and challenges facing Israel right now, it is incumbent upon us to find the time and desire to embrace these immigrants, introduce them to their new home and show them the true reality not seen in the news. They must be shown what they have never seen in the media -- the camaraderie and good neighborliness of Israeli society, even as the winds of war blow.
Erez Halfon is vice chairman of Nefesh B'Nefesh and a former director-general of the Ministry of Immigrant Absorption.
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