Nefesh B'Nefesh

Throughout the summer of 2024, we celebrated the Aliyah of 2,000 new Olim from across the U.S. and Canada 🥳🇮🇱 This included 445 singles, 170 families, and 280 retirees. More than 510 children began new schools in September. These newcomers arrived on 14 group flights, as Aliyah interest continues to surge since October 7th. Mazal tov and best wishes for an easy acclimation to all! Ministry of Aliyah and Integration משרד העלייה והקליטה, The Jewish Agency for Israel, Jewish National Fund - USA, Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael - Jewish National Fund 🎥 Shai Getzoff #LiveLoveIsrael #Israel #Aliyah #SummerOfAliyah

“Marisa and I had waited our entire lives to be part of Israel and its diverse sociery. When I found out I’m a second cousin of Gadi Moses, 80, who was taken hostage by Hamas on October 7th, we realized it was time for us to make Aliyah. Even though we had never met Gadi, this newfound connection made the events feel deeply personal. Just weeks after October 7th, we went on a volunteer trip, and it was there that our decision was solidified. Gadi Moses is a co-founder of Kibbutz Nir Oz, which was almost completely destroyed on October 7th. His partner, Efrat Katz, was murdered after being kidnapped. His ex-wife, Margalit, his daughter, Doron, and granddaughters, Raz and Aviv, were also taken hostage but were released in November. My wife has been corresponding with Gadi’s son, who has been very proactive in speaking out about the hostages. It surprised us how quickly we became connected with someone we had never even met, making the situation feel even more personal and urgent. Now, as we settle into our new lives in Israel, we encourage anyone considering making Aliyah to go for it. I often tell people that Israel exists in my lifetime, unlike my ancestors’ lifetimes, and they paid the price for that. My goal before I pass away is to be part of Israel’s society—not just visit once a year or send money. We made Aliyah recently through Nefesh B'Nefesh. We moved to Modi’in, where the local community has welcomed us with open arms. We feel more at home and at peace than ever before. A friend is even hosting an open house to introduce us to everyone in their circle, which speaks to the warmth and friendliness of the people here. Our volunteer work in Israel made us keenly aware of the intensity of the situation, but we’re not weak at heart. We have a strong sense of Zionism and believe that their fight is our fight.” - Larry and Marisa Simpson Text adapted from article originally published at San Diego Jewish World. #LiveLoveIsrael #Israel #Aliyah #ComingHome #BringGadiHome

Shanah Tovah U'metukah to all! May this new year bring sweetness, joy and peace. Mazal tov to the 3,653 New Olim celebrating their first Rosh HaShana in Israel as citizens! 🇮🇱 As we enter the new year, we hold onto hope and strength in the face of uncertainty we face in Israel. In the midst of the many challenges we've faced this year, may our hearts be filled with unity, courage, and the unwavering belief that brighter days are ahead. Wishing for a year of blessings, resilience, and light. Shanah Tovah! 🍎✡🍯 #LiveLoveIsrael #ShanahTovah #UnityAndStrength #AmYisraelChai

Over 100 doctors from the United Kingdom attended the first MedEx event in London, as part of IMAP, a new national plan aimed at assisting and expediting the Aliyah of physicians from around the world to Israel. The International Medical Aliyah Program (IMAP) was initiated by Israel’s Ministry of Aliyah and Integration משרד העלייה והקליטה, Ministry of Health Israel and Nefesh B'Nefesh in cooperation with The Jewish Agency for Israel, to address Israel’s medical professional shortage. This one-stop-shop, which originated eight years ago by Nefesh B'Nefesh in the USA, is supported by The Marcus Foundation, The Gottesman Fund and the Jewish Federations of North America – UIA. Video credit: ‪Shai Getzoff #LiveLoveIsrael #IMAP #MedEx #IsraelHealth #IsraelMedicalProfessional #Israel #DoctorsMakingAliyah #UKDoctors

“I decided to make the leap to come and spend some time in Israel. Then, I got hooked in and fell in love with the land and I just made Aliyah. My name is Sam and right now we’re sitting in the Pardes building where I just finished a year program.” - Sam Cooper from Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies #LiveLoveIsrael #Israel #Aliyah #Pardes #ComingHome

Shuk Olim Chag Edition is a wrap! Over 400 shoppers gathered to prepare for the chagim and support Olim 🇮🇱 27 incredible Olim vendors offered a variety of holiday essentials - from honey and Simanim to freshly baked goods, Sukkah decorations, and beautifully crafted ceramic dishes and art, there was something for everyone to welcome the Chagim properly. 🍯 🎨 🍽️ Thank you all for joining us! Shana Tovah U'Metukah 🍎🍯 📷 Calvin “Caliv” T Cook #LiveLoveIsrael #Aliyah #Israel #ShukOlim #HolidayPrep #ChagimReady

Learn Hebrew online at Café Oleh Conversations! Cafe Oleh Conversations led by Jay Rosen are smaller, conversation-based classes online. All classes are live and will be held every week on Wednesday at 8 PM IST (1 PM EST). The vocabulary list from Monday’s online session will be used. Link to register here: https://lnkd.in/eNubqPjs Jay made Aliyah with NBN from Washington, DC in 2006, and has devoted his professional and personal pursuits to Diaspora-Israel relations with Olim. Jay helped found Cafe Oleh with NBN in 2017, which has grown from a few people inthe back of our Tel Aviv office to hundreds of participants and thousands of views from around the world. #LiveLoveIsrael #Israel #Aliyah #CafeOleh #Hebrew #LearnHebrew

"Israel is our home. This is where we need to be. This is where brothers and sisters are. And together we are stronger. We are nothing if we’re not together. My name is Mindy. I am the founder of @nachlabedroomrecords. I made Aliyah 15 years ago through NBN, and I'm so grateful to be here. I help manage artists, whether it's a musician, a healer, a jewelry maker, all forms of creators, and we put together festivals, concerts, and I also have a pop -up thrift shop." - Mindy Rutstein from Bedroom Records | Creation Label #LiveLoveIsrael #Israel #Aliyah #ComingHome #Nachlaot #NachlaBedroomRecords #Jerusalem

"I'm a doctor in London and I'm looking to try and make Aliyah and it's great that MedEx have brought over so many people from so many different areas in Israel with so much information and trying to make the process so much smoother." The inaugural MedEx UK took place last week in London, drawing over 100 Jewish doctors from across the UK, many of whom are planning to make Aliyah in the near future and were provided assistance with their Aliyah planning and licensing. The International Medical Aliyah Program seeks to streamline the Aliyah process for physicians worldwide. Israel’s Ministry of Aliyah and Integration משרד העלייה והקליטה, and through its new dedicated Physicians Olim Directorate, and Ministry of Health Israel, have chosen Nefesh B'Nefesh to partner in creating this international program to streamline the immigration process for medical professionals, ensuring their ability to integrate into Israel’s medical workforce upon arrival. Following successful events earlier this year in the USA, France, and Argentina, MedEx made its debut in London, with plans to expand to other destinations worldwide. #LiveLoveIsrael #IMAP #MedEx #IsraelHealth #IsraelMedicalProfessional #Israel #DoctorsMakingAliyah #UKDoctors

"I made Aliyah because I’ve always felt a deep personal connection to the land and its history. As someone passionate about history — especially the history of Israel — making Aliyah was a dream come true. Now, I get to walk in the same valleys where the prophets walked and dip in the same ancient springs where Jewish kings did thousands of years ago. The professional opportunities here, especially in my field as a tour guide, allow me to show others the wonders of Israel while living in this incredible country. I made Aliyah from Florida in 2014 after graduating from the University of Colorado. Today, I live in Givat Olga in Hadera, a spot halfway between Tel Aviv and Haifa, which has some of the best beaches and the most underrated nature reserve in the country. I’ve recently opened my boutique travel agency, 'Journey Through Israel'. Some might think it’s crazy to start a travel company during such uncertain times, but as the saying goes, 'If not now, then when?' Living in Israel has completely transformed my life. Life here comes with its challenges, especially after October 7th, but what’s been amazing is seeing people still coming to Israel, eager to explore connect with and live in this land. Traveling with them and sharing the beauty and history of Israel gives me hope - a powerful reminder of the resilience and spirit of this country. One 'Only in Israel' moment happened a few days after the war began when I was delivering gear to soldiers. A siren went off, and a family invited me into their shelter. Moments later, their forgotten pizza delivery arrived, and I found myself sharing pizza with them and the delivery guy in a stranger's shelter. One thing I’ve learned from my Aliyah, it’s the importance of resilience and adaptability. Moving to a new country has its share of challenges - embracing the unpredictability and finding humor in the small hurdles has helped me navigate the journey. Whether it’s waiting in line, figuring out how things work, or launching my business, this mindset has been invaluable." - Leo Loeffler from "Journey Through Israel" #LiveLoveIsrael #Israel #Aliyah #ComingHome #JourneyThroughIsrael