Introduction: A New Chapter in Aliyah History
Founded in 2002, Nefesh B’Nefesh (NBN) has transformed the landscape of North American immigration to Israel. Born from the vision of Rabbi Yehoshua Fass and Tony Gelbart during the challenging days of the Second Intifada, this organization set out to revitalize Aliyah from Western countries by addressing the practical, financial, and logistical obstacles that had previously deterred many potential immigrants.
The name “Nefesh B’Nefesh,” meaning “Soul to Soul” in Hebrew, reflects the organization’s deeply personal approach to immigration assistance. Today, NBN works in close partnership with the Jewish Agency for Israel, Israel’s Ministry of Aliyah and Integration, and the Jewish National Fund to provide comprehensive support to olim (immigrants) from the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, and other English-speaking countries.
Core Services and Programs
Nefesh B’Nefesh has built its reputation on a comprehensive service model that guides potential immigrants through every stage of the Aliyah journey:
Pre-Aliyah Planning and Support
Application Processing
- Streamlined online application system
- Document verification and preparation
- Coordination with Israeli government offices
- Status tracking and updates
Financial Guidance
- Aliyah financial planning tools
- Information about Israeli banking system
- Tax planning considerations
- Financial incentives guidance
Employment Resources
- Pre-Aliyah job search assistance
- Resume building and adaptation for Israeli market
- Professional licensing transfer information
- Industry-specific employment webinars
- Job board with positions suitable for English speakers
Community Research
- Community database with detailed profiles
- Virtual tours of potential communities
- Pilot trip planning assistance
- Connections with current residents
Housing Navigation
- Housing options database
- Rental vs. purchasing guidance
- Mortgage information
- Regional cost comparison tools
In-Flight and Arrival Experience
Group Flights
- Dedicated charter flights for new immigrants
- Community-building during the journey
- In-flight guidance and preparation
- Celebratory atmosphere
Airport Welcome
- Streamlined processing at Ben Gurion Airport
- Festive welcome ceremonies
- Immediate assistance with initial paperwork
- Transportation coordination to first destinations
Post-Arrival Support
Bureaucratic Navigation
- Government office accompaniment
- Document translation assistance
- Rights explanation and advocacy
- Troubleshooting bureaucratic challenges
Community Integration
- Social events for new olim
- Regional support groups
- Holiday celebrations
- Mentorship matching
Continued Employment Support
- Job placement assistance
- Networking opportunities
- Professional retraining guidance
- Entrepreneur support resources
Follow-up Counseling
- Personal absorption counselors
- Crisis intervention when needed
- Long-term check-ins and support
- Adaptation assistance
Specialized Aliyah Tracks
Recognizing that different demographics have unique needs, Nefesh B’Nefesh has developed specialized Aliyah tracks:
Lone Soldiers Program
For young adults who make Aliyah and serve in the IDF without immediate family in Israel:
- Pre-draft preparation
- Housing solutions during service
- Adoptive families network
- Post-army transition support
- Social framework and community
Go North and Go South
Incentivized programs encouraging settlement in Israel’s peripheral regions:
- Enhanced financial grants
- Dedicated regional employment coordinators
- Subsidized housing options
- Strong community placement focus
- Regional tours and introductions
Medical Professionals Track
Tailored support for doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers:
- Licensing guidance and exam preparation
- Hospital and clinic placement
- Professional retraining when necessary
- Integration into Israeli healthcare system
- Language adaptation for medical terminology
Retiree Program
Specialized assistance for older olim:
- Healthcare system navigation
- Retirement community options
- Social framework development
- Volunteer opportunities
- Legacy planning in Israeli context
MedEx
Pre-approval program for physicians:
- Expedited licensing process
- Pre-Aliyah credential verification
- Hospital interviews before arrival
- Housing and community placement
- Specialized financial planning
Digital Resources and Tools
Nefesh B’Nefesh has developed innovative digital resources to support the Aliyah process:
Aliyah Wizard
Interactive tool helping potential immigrants determine eligibility and create personalized Aliyah timelines.
Community Database
Searchable platform with detailed information about Israeli communities, including:
- Religious character
- Educational options
- Housing costs
- Employment opportunities
- English-speaking population size
- Available services
Webinar Library
Extensive collection of recorded sessions covering:
- Employment by industry
- Financial planning
- Healthcare navigation
- Education options
- Community spotlights
- Personal stories
Online Application System
User-friendly platform for managing the entire application process with:
- Document upload capabilities
- Status tracking
- Direct communication with NBN staff
- Customized checklists
Events and Community Building
Nefesh B’Nefesh maintains an active calendar of events both in North America and Israel:
Mega Events and Fairs
Large-scale Aliyah fairs in major North American cities featuring:
- Government representatives
- Community showcases
- Employment recruiters
- Housing developers
- Service providers
- Educational institutions
Online and In-Person Workshops
Targeted sessions addressing specific aspects of Aliyah:
- Tax planning
- Real estate
- Schools and education
- Employment in specific sectors
- Healthcare options
- Legal considerations
Post-Aliyah Social Events
Community-building opportunities for recent immigrants:
- Regional gatherings
- Holiday celebrations
- Professional networking
- Family activities
- Special interest groups
Impact and Achievements
Since its founding, Nefesh B’Nefesh has achieved remarkable results:
- Facilitated the Aliyah of over 70,000 North Americans
- Contributed to a 90% retention rate among its olim
- Dramatically simplified the application process
- Reduced bureaucratic obstacles
- Created sustainable employment solutions
- Established vibrant English-speaking communities
- Developed innovative Aliyah models replicated by other organizations
- Strengthened Israel’s professional sectors with skilled immigrants
Working with Nefesh B’Nefesh: A Practical Guide
When to Begin the Process
The ideal timeline for working with Nefesh B’Nefesh depends on your situation:
- 1-2 years before intended Aliyah: Begin research and planning
- 9-12 months before: Open an official file and start application
- 6-9 months before: Submit documentation and begin community research
- 3-6 months before: Finalize employment and housing plans
- 1-3 months before: Complete final arrangements and prepare for departure
Initial Steps to Take
- Create an account on the Nefesh B’Nefesh website
- Complete the Aliyah Wizard to assess eligibility and options
- Attend a webinar or in-person event
- Schedule an initial consultation with an Aliyah advisor
- Begin gathering required documentation
Maximizing NBN Services
To get the most from Nefesh B’Nefesh:
- Be proactive in communicating your needs and questions
- Utilize the full range of online resources
- Attend both general and specific workshops relevant to your situation
- Connect with past olim through NBN’s community networks
- Follow advice regarding documentation and timelines
Managing Expectations
While Nefesh B’Nefesh provides exceptional support, successful Aliyah still requires:
- Personal initiative and research
- Flexibility and patience
- Realistic financial planning
- Cultural adaptation readiness
- Language acquisition commitment
Success Stories
The Goldstein Family
After 15 years in suburban New Jersey, the Goldstein family of six made Aliyah in 2018:
“Nefesh B’Nefesh helped us navigate every challenge, from finding schools for four children with different needs to securing employment in my specialized field. Their community matching program connected us with a settlement that perfectly balanced our religious and social preferences. Three years later, we feel more at home in Israel than we ever imagined possible.”
Dr. Sarah Cohen
A pediatrician from Toronto who immigrated through the Medical Professionals track:
“The licensing process for foreign doctors in Israel used to be incredibly complicated. Through NBN’s MedEx program, I had my credentials verified, licenses processed, and even job interviews arranged before I landed. Within three months of arrival, I was practicing medicine in Jerusalem. Their specialized knowledge made a complex transition remarkably smooth.”
David Levy
A lone soldier who made Aliyah from Los Angeles:
“Making Aliyah at 18 to join the IDF was both exciting and terrifying. NBN’s Lone Soldier program provided me with a support system that felt like family—from helping me find housing during leaves to connecting me with other lone soldiers. The staff checked in regularly and made sure I never felt alone, even during the most challenging periods of my service.”
Leadership and Structure
Nefesh B’Nefesh operates under the leadership of:
- Co-Founders Rabbi Yehoshua Fass and Tony Gelbart
- Executive team with expertise in immigration, social services, and nonprofit management
- Board of directors comprising business leaders, philanthropists, and Aliyah advocates
- Professional staff in both North American and Israeli offices
The organization maintains offices in:
- New York
- Jerusalem
- Tel Aviv
- Beer Sheva
Funding and Partnerships
Nefesh B’Nefesh operates through a combination of:
- Private philanthropy
- Israeli government funding
- Jewish National Fund partnership
- Donor collaboratives
- Foundation grants
Key partners include:
- Ministry of Aliyah and Integration
- Jewish Agency for Israel
- Jewish National Fund
- Israel Defense Forces
- Various Israeli municipalities and regional councils
Future Directions
As Nefesh B’Nefesh evolves, several key initiatives are shaping its future:
Innovation Hub
Developing new technologies and methodologies to further streamline the Aliyah process and post-arrival integration.
Remote Work Initiative
Expanding opportunities for olim to maintain international employment while living in Israel, particularly relevant in the post-COVID work environment.
Community Development
Strengthening English-speaking communities throughout Israel, particularly in development areas in the north and south.
Professional Integration
Deepening partnerships with Israeli employers and professional associations to maximize career opportunities for immigrants.
Service Expansion
Extending specialized services to additional professional sectors and demographic groups.
Conclusion: Transforming the Aliyah Experience
Nefesh B’Nefesh has fundamentally transformed North American Aliyah from a bureaucratically challenging, often isolating experience into a supported, community-oriented journey. By addressing the practical barriers that once deterred many potential immigrants—employment concerns, financial uncertainties, bureaucratic complications, and social integration challenges—NBN has opened the door for thousands of individuals and families to fulfill their dream of building lives in Israel.
The organization’s holistic approach recognizes that successful Aliyah involves far more than simply relocating geographically; it requires comprehensive preparation, realistic expectations, and ongoing support. Through its innovative programs, digital tools, and personal guidance, Nefesh B’Nefesh continues to write a new chapter in the ancient story of Jewish return to the homeland.
For North American Jews considering Aliyah, Nefesh B’Nefesh represents not only a practical resource but also a supportive community and a proven pathway to successful integration into Israeli society. As the organization enters its third decade, its impact on both individual lives and the character of Israeli society continues to grow, creating a bridge between North American Jewish communities and the State of Israel.
