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EL AL Keeps Israel Connected to the World

Stacie Stufflebeam, a mother of three combat soldiers

Operation Hug

As part of Operation Hug, EL AL is proudly collaborating with Nefesh B’Nefesh, Jewish National Fund USA and Friends of the IDF (FIDF), working together to reunite parents of Lone Soldiers with their children who have been serving in the IDF since the beginning of the war. EL AL flights have brought parents from around the world to Israel, providing them with the opportunity to embrace their children during these challenging times. There are currently approximately 5,000 lone soldiers from around the world serving in the IDF, displaying incredible commitment by leaving their homes, families and friends to immigrate alone to Israel and join the IDF. Since the war began, hundreds of parents have flown to Israel on EL AL flights with Operation Hug, enabling them to see their children for the

first time in a powerful display of familial love and support. EL AL is honored to be part of this initiative, alleviating some of the stress and worry faced by lone soldiers and their families, while demonstrating solidarity with the national effort. Stacie Stufflebeam of Virginia is one of the parents who took part in Operation Hug and was recently flown to Israel by EL AL. Stacie is the mother of two combat soldiers on the front lines and another son in reserve duty, all of whom are serving or have served in the military as lone soldiers in combat roles. “We are deeply moved and humbled, during this challenging time, by the daily courage of all the lone soldiers who are bravely serving our Jewish homeland far away from their parents and family”, said Rabbi Yehoshua Fass, co-founder and Executive Director of Nefesh B’Nefesh.

“We are extra sensitive to the concern this distance is causing the parents of these brave men and women on the front lines and have therefore established our ‘Operation Hug’ campaign to shorten the physical distances. I am proud that national institutions have come together for this beautiful project”. Shlomi Zafrany, EL AL VP of Commercial & Industrial Affairs, reinforces EL AL’s unwavering commitment as the flag carrier of Israel, actively facilitating arrivals amidst the ongoing conflict. As a vital part of this mission, “EL AL proudly collaborates with Nefesh B’Nefesh, facilitating the journey of lone soldiers’ families to Israel—an impactful initiative fostering morale and national resilience. Our dedication remains steadfast as we persist in being the airlift connecting Israel to the world”.

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