Control of Israel’s El Al Airlines Bought by 27-Year-Old Student
Error: Contact form not found.
by Reuters and Algemeiner Staff

El Al planes are seen on the tarmac at Ben-Gurion International airport, near Tel Aviv, Israel, March 10, 2020. Photo: Reuters / Ronen Zvulun.
A 27-year-old US-born yeshiva student has secured control of El Al Israel Airlines following a public share offering that was a government condition for the carrier to receive a 75% state-backed $250 million loan.
Eli Rozenberg’s newly-created Kanfei Nesharim Aviation bought $107 million of shares that would give him a nearly 43% stake in Israel‘s flag carrier, his spokesman said Thursday.
Rozenberg, who resides in Israel, is the son of Kenny Rozenberg, chief executive of New York-based nursing home chain Centers Health Care.
The government bought a 15% stake for $34 million while the holdings of El Al’s current owners, Knafaim Holdings, fell to 15.2% from 38%.
Rozenberg in July had offered to funnel $75 million into the airline in return for a 44.99% stake.
The deal needs approval from parliament’s finance committee.
Kanfei Nesharim’s spokesman said Rozenberg will meet Finance Ministry officials next week.
He said once Rozenberg is approved, he will seek to make changes to El Al’s board and elsewhere to move the cash-strapped carrier forward. Kanfei Nesharim said it would invest heavily in improving El Al’s service and to upgrade its food service.
Rozenberg has surrounded himself with advisers including Jason Greenblatt, a former adviser to President Donald Trump.
El Al suspended scheduled passenger flights in March at the outset of the coronavirus outbreak when Israel closed its borders to foreign citizens.
Earlier on Thursday, it said it would resume flights to Athens on Oct. 1, followed by daily flights to New York, London and Paris starting Oct. 12.
The airline has reported losses for two years and racked up debt to renew its fleet. In addition to the share offering, the government has required El Al to slash costs.
Most of its 5,940 employees remain on unpaid leave and El Al said it would gradually bring a small number back.
Hamas Terror Threat Remains High Across Europe as Authorities Arrest Operatives Plotting Attacks
Why Do Societies Turn Against Jews? Dr. Gad Saad’s Psychological Explanation
Israeli Strategist Defends Gaza, Lebanon Military Campaigns, Outlines Strategy to Ensure Longterm Security
‘We’re Not Alone’: Canadian Community Shows Up 60,000 Strong for ‘Walk With Israel’ March
Iran ‘Opens New Chapter in Its Defense Policy’ With Attack on Israel: Top Official
Israeli Director Ruthy Pribar Returns to Tribeca Film Festival With Drama About Female Self-Discovery, Reinvention
John Lithgow Makes History With Tony Award Win for ‘Giant’ About Roald Dahl’s Antisemitism
IAEA Calls on Iran to ‘Re-Engage’ as West Pressures It With Resolution
Yemen’s Iran-Backed Houthis Threaten Israeli Shipping in the Red Sea
A Third of Labour Lawmakers Urge Britain to Ban Trade With Israeli Settlements





I Actually Spent Time in ‘Palestine’ — Here’s What I Saw About Their Society
Antisemitic Incidents Are Skyrocketing Under Mamdani and Hochul; It’s Not a Coincidence
The Palestinian Authority Incites Terror, Then Cries Victim
Iran and Israel Say They Have Halted Strikes on Each Other — for Now
The Commentary on Gaza Always Prioritizes Sensation Over Facts



