Nefesh B’Nefesh, in partnership with Israel’s Ministry of Aliyah Integration, The Jewish Agency for Israel, Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael, and JNF-USA, is marking the conclusion of a successful aliyah season with some 2,000 new olim having arrived in Israel on 14 group aliyah flights, offered by Nefesh B’Nefesh.
The olim ranged from just two months old to 97 years old and hailed from a diverse array of states and provinces across the US and Canada, including Arizona, California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Ontario.
Their destinations within Israel are equally varied, with many having moved to Jerusalem, Beit Shemesh, Modi’in, Ra’anana, Tel Aviv-Yafo, and other vibrant communities. They bring with them a wealth of experience and expertise across professions, from doctors and medical professionals to lawyers, accountants, software engineers, national service volunteers, and beyond. Of the summer newcomers, 510 children started school in Israel last week, marking the beginning of their own incredible aliyah journeys.
Nefesh B’Nefesh has also been witnessing a continuous increase in requests to open aliyah files since the onset of the war, with approximately 14,000 applications to open aliyah files received – marking over a 70% increase compared to the same period last year. This surge reflects the growing interest in aliyah, driven primarily by Zionist ideals and expressions of solidarity with the Jewish State, with 47% of applicants citing this as their main motivation.
“We are in the midst of a blessed few months of witnessing an impressive increase in aliyah from around the world, despite this complex period of conflict in the north and south. I extend my heartfelt wishes to all the new olim who arrived throughout the summer months from North America, driven by a strong desire to become an integral part of the Zionist story,” said Minister of Aliyah and Integration, MK Ofir Sofer.
“I am filled with renewed excitement each and every time I come to welcome the newcomers. The entire nation of Israel shares in this excitement, and we all feel the Zionist spirit and the tremendous support from the Diaspora Jewish communities. We are continuing to work with full vigor to encourage aliyah and enhance the integration process, with various programs that are assisting olim and which will help inspire thousands more to take this significant step.”
“As we witness and celebrate the thousands of new olim who arrived on flight after flight this summer, undeterred by the current situation, we see the exquisite expression of hope, optimism, solidarity, and faith,” said Rabbi Yehoshua Fass, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Nefesh B’Nefesh. “This remarkable influx not only highlights their unwavering commitment to the State of Israel, but also underscores the incomparable spirit and unbreakable bond of the Jewish people worldwide to the State of Israel.”
“The new olim bring hope to Israel. When I look at the infants and the elderly, I see the immense strength of the Jewish people. Their very presence expresses an unconditional love for the State of Israel,” said Chairman of The Jewish Agency for Israel, Maj-Gen (res.) Doron Almog. “They choose to come and strengthen us, especially now, during these challenging times of war. They are the ones who serve as a source of strength and courage for us all. We welcome them with both open arms and endless love.”
“The Zionist vision is being realized, particularly during these challenging times as Israel endures a prolonged conflict. Hundreds of new olim (immigrants moving to Israel) now recognize more than ever that Israel is the safest place for all Jews around the world, “said KKL-JNF Chairwoman Ifat Ovadia Luski.
“By making aliyah, they have embraced the ultimate expression of Zionism. KKL-JNF, alongside Nefesh B’Nefesh, is committed to supporting all the olim as they integrate into Israeli society. We are confident that today’s olim will play a crucial role in strengthening the communities where they will establish their homes, both in the South and North of Israel.”