Never Again, Never Alone: El Al’s Role in Jewish Safety

When I witnessed the recent disturbances in Amsterdam targeting the Jewish community, I was deeply shaken. The images brought to mind dark chapters of European history, yet there is one crucial difference today: We have the State of Israel. As Vice Chairman of El Al, I could not have been more proud watching our aircraft arrive to help Jews evacuate and reach safety.

The events in Amsterdam crystallized something I’ve long understood about El Al’s role in the world. While they are Israel’s national carrier, they have become something far more significant: an extension of Israel’s promise of safety to Jewish communities worldwide. Just as the State of Israel stands as a haven for the Jewish people, El Al carries that protection beyond Israel’s borders.

This mission has never been more evident than in the past year. When Hamas attacked Israel on October 7th, Israel faced an unprecedented challenge. El Al immediately mobilized to bring Israeli reservists home, turning their commercial aircraft into vital links between the diaspora and Israel. Then, just months later, when the Jewish community in Amsterdam faced threats, El Al were the ones who launched a rapid response operation. With eight of their planes, about 2000 people were evacuated from Amsterdam, including those who had lost their passports in the turmoil.

These recent events are part of a longer legacy. El Al’s story has been intertwined with Jewish safety since their founding in 1948, when they transported Jews from Yemen and Iraq to Israel during “Operation Magic Carpet.” They also played crucial roles in “Operation Exodus” in 1990, bringing Jews from Soviet Russia and Eastern Europe, and in “Operation Solomon” in 1991, helping Ethiopian Jews reach Israel.

For Jewish communities facing uncertainty around the world, El Al represents more than just an airline – they are a tangible reminder that Jews are not alone. When I see our aircraft taking off in situations like these, I see more than just flights; I see the physical manifestation of Israel’s commitment to protecting Jewish lives wherever they may be threatened.

In these challenging times, as we witness concerning echoes of historical antisemitism, I take pride in knowing that El Al stands ready to serve our people. I am deeply proud that El Al embody these values of protection and service that I believe are so important. El Al’s aircraft serve as vessels of hope, extending Israel’s reach and protection to Jewish communities worldwide. They are a lifeline, a symbol of safety, and a promise to Jewish communities everywhere: Never again will you face threats alone.