A Moving Blessing from Avraham Fried to Jonathan and Esther Pollard

"Shalom Aleichem, Jonathan and Esther" – with these words, the singer Avraham Fried begins his blessing to Jonathan and Esther Pollard, who have recently arrived and made aliyah to Israel. "Welcome home! What a wonderful and great joy. Finally, you are home. Unbelievable, what great joy for all of Israel."

"Although you are private individuals, your joy is the joy of all Israel. I want to wish you blessings and success, may Hashem grant you both good health as you land and settle in the Holy Land. It is interesting that you are home during the Torah portion 'Vayechi' where the word 'strength' appears. These are the two blessings I can give you, and only the best. I hope to meet you in Jerusalem very soon, face to face."

"In the meantime, be strong, be strong, and let us be strengthened," he concludes.

Watch Fried's blessing, spoken in English:

Jonathan and Esther Pollard, upon deplaning at Ben Gurion Airport:

Pollard moves to kiss the ground of Israel on his knees in an emotional moment:

(Screenshots)