On the Wings of Eagles
This journey will send your emotions soaring
Editor’s Note: On the Wings of Eagles, by Tami Lehman-Wilzig and illustrated by Alisha Monnin, is the story of Operation Magic Carpet when Alaska Airlines carried forty-nine thousand Jewish refugees from Yemen to Israel on more than 430 flights from 1949-1950. This suspenseful and inspiring story is based on real events and people. It’s an important part of Jewish history and likely one that young readers aren’t familiar. It’s perfectly complimented by the beautiful, dreamlike illustrations.
On the Wings of Eagles, by Tami Lehman-Wilzig and illustrated by Alisha Monnin, published by Behrman House/ Apples and Honey Press (April 2025), is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, directly from Berhman House, and online through other bookshops. The following excerpt is printed with the permission of the author.
Author’s Note: This is a book that I have wanted to write for years. As the saying goes; “everything comes at the right moment,” and the right time for this book is NOW. Now with antisemitism rearing its ugly head once again, Jews around the world of all political persuasions understand the need of a Jewish State. Now, with so many ignorant people saying untruths about Israel, the stories of hundreds of thousands of Jews forced to flee their native Arab countries between 1948-1950 must be told. And it must be pointed out that when they left, they knew they never would be allowed back. “On the Wings of Eagles” is the story of one such group. Forty-nine thousand Yemenite Jews forced to flee their native land, rescued on a daring airlift mission conducted by Alaska Airlines. The latter reinforces the strong bond between America and Israel. I hope that bond continues for a very long time, despite virulent antisemitism on American campuses.
Bio
Tami Lehman-Wilzig is an award-winning author of 14 published Jewish content picture books, and two more on the way this year. Her titles include the award winning: SOOSIE: The Horse that Saved Shabbat; Keeping the Promise; Nathan Blows Out the Hanukkah Candles; Passover Around the World, and Green Bible Stories for Children. PJ Library has selected five of her books for its English speaking market, and has translated three of her books into Spanish and one into Russian. Tami is also the creator of Shabbat Around the World – a unique, 9 unit digital story/lesson plan series, and the editor of Kar-Ben Publishing’s annual “My Very Own Jewish Calendar.” Living in Israel for the past forty-eight years, Tami served as one of the country’s leading English language advertising copywriters, creating the marketing image of numerous leading Israeli exporters. Tami lives in Kfar Saba with her husband.
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5 Tiny Delights
My teen and tween grandchildrens’ witticisms
My 76-year old, still basketball playing husband
Swimming
Walking on the beach
Creating with my hands: ceramics, glass art, baking
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5 Tiny Jewish Delights
Israel. Nothing makes me prouder. What a country we have created! Yes, we are going through an exceedingly difficult period. It’s not over, it’s horrible, and could take a while, but this too shall pass.
Jewish resilience.
Self-reflection on Yom Kippur. There is nothing like it, and I look forward to it every year. Hands-down, my favorite holiday.
Shabbat. The concept of a day of rest is the best gift we’ve given the world. It’s literally 25 hours of mental and physical relaxation; we look forward to it every week.
Creating an interactive Passover Seder program that’s fun and engaging.
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