El Al Israel Airlines – A Symbol of the Birth and Growth of the State of Israel

El Al Israel Airlines – A Symbol of the Birth and Growth of the State of Israel

“Bring back My sons from afar and My daughters from the ends of the earth.” (Isaiah 43:6)

El Al was founded in 1948, alongside the State of Israel, when the Israeli government sought to bring President Chaim Weizmann and his wife, Vera, home from Switzerland in a dignified manner. They selected a C-54 aircraft from the Israeli Air Force, naming it El Al, inspired by the biblical phrase meaning “to the skies.” Thus, Israel’s national airline was born.

From its inception, El Al embarked on a journey to become one of the world’s most advanced and efficient airlines. It has come to represent the spirit of Israeli and Jewish people, their resilience, ambition, and pioneering, soaring to new heights despite all the challenges along the way.

Since 1949, El Al pilots and crew have participated and carried out legendary rescue missions. These include: Operation On Wings of Eagles (1949): Transporting Yemenite Jews to Israel. Operation Ezra and Nehemiah (1951–1952): Airlifting Iraqi Jews to safety. Operation Solomon (1991): Rescuing thousands of Ethiopian Jews.

During these missions, El Al became a symbol of hope and freedom. It facilitated the historic airlift of nearly 47,000 Yemenite Jews and 3,000 Habbanim Jews from the Arabian Peninsula and provided a new beginning for 120,000 Iraqi immigrants.

El Al is not only a bridge connecting the young State of Israel to the world and the Jewish Diaspora, but also an expression of national identity and pride. The Israeli flag emblazoned on its aircraft tails became a familiar sight in destinations across the globe, reinforcing Israel’s presence on the world stage. More than just an airline, El Al embodies Israel’s sovereignty, security, and enduring Zionist ethos.

The history of El Al is deeply intertwined with the history of Israel. As the nation grew, so did its airline, sharing in moments of triumph and expansion while also standing by during times of sorrow and adversity. Throughout its existence, El Al has remained steadfast in answering the call of the nation, serving as a powerful symbol of Israel’s journey and unwavering spirit.