Photo Friday (Vol. IX)

Well it's that time again... and unfortunately I have a small confession to make.  I've been traveling around the country on business this week, so I've been a bit lazy with the camera.  There are still a bunch of requests I have yet to fill (although new requests are always welcome)...  I've taken 2-out-of-3 pictures for several of them... but I don't yet have all three pictures for any of the remaining requests.

Also, several of you have asked for similar or overlapping pictures, so I may have to e-mail you to ask you to submit alternative picture requests.

So, where does that leave us?

That leaves us with pictures of my choosing (although not of my taking)... related to a timely topic.

This week another planeload of North American Olim (immigrants) landed in Israel, making 2004 the highest American Aliyah year since 1983!.  The flight was organized by Nefesh B'Nefesh, the same organization that organized the flight on which we immigrated.  I'm here to tell you that the excitement of being on a flight filled with other people who are also moving to Israel is indescribable, and the arrival ceremony (IMHO) is like something out of a fairytale.

Take my advice... if you are ever offered the opportunity to experience the 'red carpet treatment' when arriving in a country, I suggest you give it a try. 

By 'red carpet treatment', I mean walking down the boarding stairs to the strains of a military band to be met by a head of state and the opposition leader.  Then walking through a military honor guard, while being followed by news photographers and video crews.  Then going into a hanger festooned with welcome banners and colorful bunting.  Inside the hanger a huge crowd of well-wishers joins you as you listen to members of both the government and opposition make speeches thanking you for making the decision to come.

That is what I mean by 'The red carpet treatment'... and, yeah, it was pretty neat.   Seriously, you should try it.  ;-)

I've been wanting play 'show and tell' with these pictures* of when we arrived for some time now:

This first one is of the VIPs (and their body guards) waiting at the bottom of the boarding stairs.  Deputy Prime Minister Ehud Olmert (in the dark blue suit) and Opposition Leader / Former Prime Minister Shimon Peres (in the lighter blue suit) were the first people to shake our hands and say 'welcome home' (I can't remember who the woman between them is).

After being greeted by the dignitaries we walked across the tarmac through an honor guard of soldiers.

That's me in the light blue oxford (big surprise there, huh?)... Zahava is is in the white blouse and black knapsack.... Ariella is between us wearing the red shirt and Gilad is to my left in a peach colored shirt.

This last one really has nothing to do with us (since Yonah was born here in Israel), but I loved the picture.  Many of the soldiers helped families by carrying babies and extra baggage.  This little toddler has no idea how good he has it!  :-)  [note: the different colored berets signify the specific army unit to which the soldiers belong]

Anyway, as 2004 draws to a close, I am pleased and proud that immigration from North America is on the rise.  For those who make a big deal over watching the world's odometer turn over, I'd like to wish you a happy, healthy and prosperous Happy New Year.  Zahava and I don't usually make a big fuss, but I may have a sip of bubbly to toast this week's arrivals.

Shabbat Shalom!

*All pictures are from the Nefesh B'Nefesh web site