A planeload of almost 400 new immigrants this July may signal the onset of a new wave of American aliyah [immigration to Israel]. The large group - probably the largest single planeload of olim to arrive in Israel from countries other than Russia, Ethiopia, and Yemen - is sponsored by a new foundation that has set as its goal no less than to \"ultimately change the face of North American Aliyah.\"
The organization, Nefesh B\'Nefesh - Jewish Souls United - was formed last year to \"revitalize North American Aliyah and to expand it for generations to come by removing the financial, professional, social and logistical obstacles that are preventing many \'would-be\' Olim from fulfilling their dream.\" Co-founder Tony Gelbart specifies: \"There indeed are hundreds of individuals [and families with] student debts, loans, tuitions, etc. and by the time they pay off their debts, they and their children are already too settled in their communities to make Aliyah. We decided to eliminate those hurdles.\"
The organization, wishing to \"send an unmistakable signal of North American-Israeli Jewish solidarity and joint determination to strengthen the State of Israel,\" awards financial grants based on financial need to potential olim. Those who remain in Israel for three years or more need not repay the monies at all. Nefesh B\'Nefesh has so far sponsored 535 olim.
The financial assistance granted to Nefesh B\'Nefesh recipients comes from private, corporate and foundation donations. One group in particular, the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews (IFCJ), contributed $2 million to the cause. \"When we presented the Nefesh B\' Nefesh project to [IFCJ founder] Rabbi [Yechiel] Eckstein,\" Gelbart said, \"he pledged his support without hesitation.\"
Nefesh B\'Nefesh also assists in alleviating aliyah obstacles such as housing, jobs, social acculturation and the like, in cooperation with established Aliyah organizations, the Jewish Agency, and the Government of Israel. Co-founder and Executive Director Rabbi Joshua Fass stated, \"Imagine people all over the globe understanding that Israel is not just a haven for those who are fleeing, but that Israel itself is a primary choice for those who have alternatives, current stability and comfort. This plane will hopefully send an unmistakable message of solidarity to Israeli citizens... and it will send an unquestionable message to all of our friends and relatives in North America that they can do it too. This is the first plane of many to follow.\" For further information, visit.
The organization, Nefesh B\'Nefesh - Jewish Souls United - was formed last year to \"revitalize North American Aliyah and to expand it for generations to come by removing the financial, professional, social and logistical obstacles that are preventing many \'would-be\' Olim from fulfilling their dream.\" Co-founder Tony Gelbart specifies: \"There indeed are hundreds of individuals [and families with] student debts, loans, tuitions, etc. and by the time they pay off their debts, they and their children are already too settled in their communities to make Aliyah. We decided to eliminate those hurdles.\"
The organization, wishing to \"send an unmistakable signal of North American-Israeli Jewish solidarity and joint determination to strengthen the State of Israel,\" awards financial grants based on financial need to potential olim. Those who remain in Israel for three years or more need not repay the monies at all. Nefesh B\'Nefesh has so far sponsored 535 olim.
The financial assistance granted to Nefesh B\'Nefesh recipients comes from private, corporate and foundation donations. One group in particular, the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews (IFCJ), contributed $2 million to the cause. \"When we presented the Nefesh B\' Nefesh project to [IFCJ founder] Rabbi [Yechiel] Eckstein,\" Gelbart said, \"he pledged his support without hesitation.\"
Nefesh B\'Nefesh also assists in alleviating aliyah obstacles such as housing, jobs, social acculturation and the like, in cooperation with established Aliyah organizations, the Jewish Agency, and the Government of Israel. Co-founder and Executive Director Rabbi Joshua Fass stated, \"Imagine people all over the globe understanding that Israel is not just a haven for those who are fleeing, but that Israel itself is a primary choice for those who have alternatives, current stability and comfort. This plane will hopefully send an unmistakable message of solidarity to Israeli citizens... and it will send an unquestionable message to all of our friends and relatives in North America that they can do it too. This is the first plane of many to follow.\" For further information, visit