Singer Leni Kuhr, who won the 1969 Eurovision Song Contest representing the Netherlands, landed at Ben Gurion Airport on Monday afternoon as a new immigrant to Israel. Officials from the Aliyah and Integration Ministry, which accompanied her immigration process, greeted her at the airport and assisted with her first steps in the country.
Kuhr, one of the most recognized voices in Dutch music, announced earlier this year her decision to move to Israel, where her children live. In interviews, she said that alongside her desire to be closer to family, antisemitism and the atmosphere toward Jews in the Netherlands also influenced her decision.
Upon landing, Kuhr said: "I am very excited to be here. I have visited Israel many times and here I feel at home. The situation in Europe is difficult and as a singer I experience cancellations of performances and even receive threats on my life. I want to live in a country I love and I am full of anticipation to learn better Hebrew and to live here with my husband and alongside my daughter who already made aliyah."
Deganit Sanker-Langa, director-general of the Aliyah and Integration Ministry, said: "Today we welcome Leni with a big embrace and congratulate her on joining the family of immigrants in Israel. After years in which she moved audiences on stages, she is opening a new chapter here, close to her family. The Aliyah and Integration Ministry will continue to accompany her along the way, to help her acclimate and feel at home. Leni, welcome to Israel."
