Photo: El Al officials along with officials from JUF, the Israeli Consulate and the Chicago Department of Aviation pose for a photo in the JUF lobby.

Chicago is making its case to bring El Al flights to and from the city direct from Tel Aviv.

Earlier this week, JUF leaders, outgoing Consul General of Israel to the Midwest Roey Gilad and officials from the Chicago Department of Aviation hosted a visiting delegation of officials from the Israeli airline. Local rabbis, along with business, high-tech and finance professionals and leaders in the African-American community, joined for a luncheon.

The Israeli carrier recently purchased a fleet of Boeing 787 Dreamliner planes and is looking to add a new direct flight destination in the United States. Chicago is a finalist.

El Al is expected to announce its decision soon. Flights — as frequent as three times a week — could begin in 2017 or 2018.