Thousands of Jews from America's east coast flocked to the Nefesh B’Nefesh Aliyah Mega event in Times Square this week, as part of the series of Aliyah Fairs in seven major cities across North America.
Arutz Sheva spoke to participants in the event to gather their thoughts on moving to the Jewish homeland. Potential immigrants came from a variety of differing backgrounds and experiences with Israel - but all expressed hope for contributing something significant to the Jewish people by moving to Israel.
Organizing the events in conjunction with Nefesh B’Nefesh are Israel’s Ministry of Aliyah and Immigrant Absorption, The Jewish Agency for Israel, Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael and JNF-USA.
The events incorporate Aliyah-related seminars and workshops, and personal consultations with staff from The Jewish Agency for Israel, Tzofim Garin Tzabar and Nefesh B’Nefesh. Representatives from various Israeli municipalities, high schools and universities, MATI business development for entrepreneurs, real estate developers and agents, financial consultants, insurance agents and shippers are also consulting with participants.
To date, Nefesh B’Nefesh has assisted over 38,000 Olim. More than 50,000 North American and British Jews have attended Nefesh B'Nefesh pre-Aliyah informational seminars throughout the U.S., Canada and UK, including specially tailored programs, events and individual counseling sessions.