On the Wings of Eagles

by Tami Lehman-Wilzig, Alisha Monnin (illustrator)

Genres: Picture Books

32 pages, Hardcover

First published April 29, 2025

Reviews

[Julie Ditton · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was 1949, and the Jews of Yemen were in danger. In Exodus, the Jewish people were carried to safely 'on eagles wings". This historical fiction picture book is based on the true story of Operation On Wings of Eagles. Between June 1949 and September 1950, Alaska Airlines airlifted 49,000 Yemenite Jews to the new state of Israel. The author, Tami Lehman-Wilzig chose to relate this event by telling the story of one young Yemenite girl. This story, filled with details and illustrated by the talented Alisha Monnin carry the reader back seventy-five years to the deserts of Yemen and the port city of Aden. In the current political environment, it is important that people realize that Jews have been in danger throughout history all over the world, and that Israel offers the safety that many seek.

[Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

On the Wings of Eagles is a beautifully written and gorgeously illustrated picture book. It tells the story of the evacuation of the Jews of Yemen in 1949, when they were flown to Israel in Alaksa Airline’s planes. By combining the narratives of two individuals—a Yemeni girl and an Alaskan Airline pilot—the author creates a story that is both tense and heartwarming. The exquisite illustrations not only complement the story but form an essential part of it.

While reading, I wondered whether a certain incident in the picture book was actually true. The short but clear afterword answered all my questions about the historical facts. (And the incident I had wondered about was, in fact, true. It's a spoiler, so you'll have to read it for yourself.)

[Allison Marks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love books that shine a spotlight on lesser-known, important, and still-relevant pieces of history. This beautifully written and wonderfully illustrated book highlights a story of courage, selflessness, and enduring friendship that can be enjoyed by both children and adults, with positive lessons and opportunities for meaningful discussion as well. Kudos to all involved!

[Noodlenuts Kids Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm going to ask you to open your hearts for a second.

I have no interest in discussing or debating geopolitics on a picture book page, but in light of the shockingly biased and not-always-truthful headlines that have presented such an ugly picture of a complex, beautiful country over the last couple of years, it would mean a lot if you'd let me show you a glimpse of the Israel I know and love.

I want to show you the indigenous homeland of my people, despite its tiny size, a safe haven for hundreds of thousands of refugees, right up to the Syrian Druze in recent weeks.

But one of the most extraordinary tales of Israeli heroism is that told in "On the Wings of Eagles" (2025), the astonishing story of 49,000 Jewish refugees airlifted - with the help of Alaska Airlines and real-life pilot Warren Metzger! - in hundreds of flights from Yemen to safety in Israel in 1949-50.

This amazing story of heroism focuses on a single fictionalised family, in simple text, making it accessible and interesting even to young children, to tell the true, epic saga of Operation Magic Carpet (also known as Operation On Wings of Eagles).

Without leaning too far into any of the more frightening bits, it tells the true story of what happened when Yemen, where the Jewish community had lived for centuries, suddenly became unsafe, with rampant anti-Jewish riots. Families were forced to give up their homes and businesses and flee to safety. And with no place to go, it was Israel that reached out and brought them "home".

This is a beautiful story of care and generosity and bravery, and I hope you'll share it with your kids.

[Shanna Silva · Rating 5 out of 5]

On the Wings of Eagles, written by Tami Lehman-Wilzig and illustrated by Alisha Monnin, is based on real events and people. Yemen in 1949 became an unsafe place for Jews. Told through the eyes of young Haila, the story introduces readers to her family and customs, brought to life in detailed, rich illustrations. As Haila and her family prepare to leave Yemen for Jerusalem, across many miles in Alaska, a pilot readies for flying rescue missions. Facing hardships along the way, Haila’s family arrives at the “eagle” that will bring them to the safety of their forever home. Fears of the strange airplane and the unknown are soothed by the compassionate pilot. This necessary picture book tells a new story of struggle and survival of a Jewish population forced to flee their country. Readers of all ages will sympathize with the family’s plight and understand the difficulty of facing what’s new and uncertain. The important history is conveyed in easy to understand prose, and the humanity and kindness are a lesson for all.

[Rachel Raz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you, author Tami Lehman-Wilzig, for preserving and sharing this uplifting and inspiring story about the rescue of 49,000 Jews from Yemen by Alaska Airlines, bringing them to safety (between 1949-1950). Over the years, I have met several individuals who were rescued, but your book brings their experiences to life so beautifully and with the sensitivity that is appropriate to share with young children.

The name of the rescue operation, inspired by the Bible verse “I carried you on eagle's wings” (Exodus 19:4), serves as a beautiful title for both the book and the story. I admire the sensitivity and creativity of the rescuers, who painted the airplane to resemble an eagle. This familiar and comforting symbol held special significance for the people, many of whom had never seen an airplane before. It is truly an inspiring story!

The illustrations by Alisha Monnin are stunning! I plan to share this book with my students, and I am confident it will spark many meaningful and important conversations and activities.

[Jon Pollard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found “On the Wings of Eagles” a very special children’s book. It is based on the true story of a poor Jewish family fleeing Yemen and airlifted to Israel in 1949. It is a beautifully-told story, enabling young readers to appreciate, in a non-threatening way, how difficult and frightening this journey must have been for a small child. What makes the book so special is the touches of imagination which light up the story (for example, the paper planes – I leave the reader to find out how they fit in, there is a clue on the cover of the book). I also love the fact that through this book I found out that Alaska Airlines was the air carrier responsible for airlifting close to 50,000 Yemenite Jews on Operation Magic Carpet between 1949-50. Who knew? And the illustrations fit the story perfectly. This book should be read by all young children, Jewish or not!

[Jacqueline · Rating 5 out of 5]

While historical fiction, On the Wings of Eagles is based on the true story of a refugee from Yemen. It begins in 1949, when young Haila learns from her grandmother Jada that it is no longer safe for Jews in Yemen. Haila’s family makes an exhausting trip across the desert to the port city of Aden where they meet a pilot from Alaska Airlines named Warren. When the Yemenite Jews, who have never seen an airplane before are terrified to board, Warren comes up with a thoughtful way to make them feel more comfortable. Notes at the end of the book include a picture of the real-life Haila who told her story to author Tami Lehman-Wilzig. On the Wings of Eagles is a heartwarming rescue story which illuminates an important part of Middle East history.

[Marilyn Wolpin · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Israel became a state in 1948, Jews in surrounding Arab countries were violently expelled. How could 49,000 Yemeni Jews get safely out of a now hostile land to safety in Israel? The Book of Exodus predicted that they would be carried on eagles’ wings. These wings turned out to be DC-4 planes belonging to Alaska Airlines. This story is a fictionalized account of this airlift from the point of view of a little girl, who along with her fellow travelers, never saw a plane before and had to be convinced to board. Tami Lehman-Wilzig, along with gorgeous illustrations by Alisha Monnin, turns the facts of this expulsion into a compelling and moving story for all readers, young or old. Highly recommend.

[Rachelle Burk · Rating 5 out of 5]

On the Wings of Eagles is a beautifully written and illustrated picture book that tells an inspiring true story. Through the eyes of the real Haila, a young Yemenite girl, children experience the fear, hope, and courage of families rescued in Operation Magic Carpet, aka Operation On Eagle's Wings in 1949-1950. The reader also meets a real Alaska Airlines pilot involved in the rescue. The narrative is heartfelt yet accessible for ages 5–8, while the stunning artwork by Alisha Monnin brings both hardship and hope vividly to life. I especially loved the historical notes and photos at the end, which make the story even more meaningful. A powerful, uplifting book that belongs in every home and classroom library.

[Meryl Gordon · Rating 5 out of 5]

“On the Wings of Eagles” is a magnificent and moving historical fiction account of one family among the forty-nine thousand Jewish refugees who were rescued from persecution in Yemen and flown to the newly-born State of Israel by Alaska Airlines. Though they have never seen an airplane, little Haila and her family know that God had carried their ancestors “on the wings of eagles,” and their kind and clever pilot uses that knowledge to calm their fears. Beautiful illustrations enhance the story. An author’s note explains the history and introduces the real people who inspired the book.

[Ellen Leventhal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author Tami Lehman-Wilzig and illustrator Alisha Monnin join forces to tell the true story of "Operation On Eagles' Wings" in this beautiful book. The Jews of Yemen were being persecuted and needed to get out. Enter Alaska Airlines and an amazing story. Between June 1949 and September 1950, the airline flew thousands of Jews out of Yemen and brought them to Israel. Lehman-Wilzig keeps this story child-centered by telling the story through the eyes of a young Yemenite Jewish girl. The back matter introduces the readers to the real people who inspired the characters in the story. I highly recommend this lovely and inspiring picture book.

[Annette Schottenfeld · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tami Lehman-Wilzig transports readers back to 1949 Yemen where they are introduced to a Jewish family in need of rescuing. Their riveting journey and challenges along the way will captivate young readers right up until they are transported to safety ‘On the Wings of Eagles.’ Alisha Monnin’s illustrations beautifully depict the story’s setting. Highly recommend!

[Francine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully told and illustrated story of the airlift of Jews from Yemen to Israel in 1949. Perfect for young children, ages 5-6 who will identify with Haila, her hopes and fears.
Also highlights the brave actions of the Alaska Airlines pilots and crew.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

My grandchildren loved this book. It was suspenseful, adventurous and also heartwarming. The illustrations were detailed and lovely. I was pleased they learned this history.

[Chava · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story, beautiful illustrations. Most highly recommended.