Flying hundreds of cultural, political, and religious pilgrims to Israel this week, El Al chiefs explain their unique mission

The annual United Jewish Communities' General Assembly in Jerusalem beginning this Sunda includes speakers: Israeli President Shimon Peres, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, Head of Opposition Benjamin Netanyahu, Minister of Defense Ehud Barak, Bank of Israel Governor Stanley Fischer, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen Gabi Ashkenazi, and El Al's Prof. Israel Borovich.

The annual United Jewish Communities' General Assembly will transport some 2,500 Jews from North America flying to Israel, many being flown on El Al Israel Airlines.

Flying large numbers in pilgrimages and missions to the Holy Land is just one of the unique aspects of El Al. The owners of Israel's domestic carrier, Arkia Israel Airlines, became the largest shareholders in El Al upon privatization in 2003. Prof. Izzy Borovich, of Knafaim-Arkia Holdings, has combined civic and profit-making responsibilities as Chairman of El Al.

Here he and Mr. Offer Gat, Chief Executive, North America, relate how El Al's uniqueness as the flagship carrier of Israel provides global travelers a special travel experience.

El Al has a colorful history beyond commercial aviation, it's also a 'magic carpet' which rescues Jews in peril around the world in times of crisis, e.g., historic airlifts from Yemen and Ethiopia, and recently in the Republic of Georgia.

'When you fly with El Al,' Prof Borovich proclaims, 'you're flying with Israel!'

He explains why he came to head the privitized national carrier, and discusses some of the company's related commercial endeavors which prospective shareholders may find interesting. 30-minute total-running-time original video).

Mr. Gat gives some insight into how he manages El Al's extraordinary North American operation (including special charters for Zionist missions) from New York. Prof. Borovich will retire his chairmanship at the end of November, but maintain his seat on El Al's Board of Directors.