Nefesh B'Nefesh
Encyclopedia
Nefesh B'Nefesh is an organization that encourages immigration
by Jewish people to Israel
from North America
and the United Kingdom
. The organization was founded in 2002 by Rabbi Yehoshua Fass and Tony Gelbart, and works in cooperation with the Jewish Agency for Israel
and the Israeli government.
from the USA, Canada and the United Kingdom. The organization aims to remove or minimize the financial, professional, logistical, and social obstacles that potential Olim face. Nefesh B'Nefesh works in close cooperation with the Jewish Agency, the Government of Israel and major Jewish organizations across all denominations and assists people of all ages in the Pre and Post-Aliyah process, offering resources such as financial aid, employment guidance and networking, assistance navigating the Israeli system, social guidance and counseling.
In the summer of 2002, Nefesh B'Nefesh organized its first chartered Aliyah flight. In the following years, growing demand saw an increasing number of Aliyah flights from North America to Israel, and by the end of 2007, Nefesh B'Nefesh organized more than 30 Aliyah flights.
In May 2006, in response to numerous requests from British Jewry interested in Aliyah, Nefesh B'Nefesh expanded its services to also include the United Kingdom.
Partnership with the Government of Israel
In November 2005, Prime Minister Ariel Sharon authorized government funding for Nefesh B’Nefesh on a trial basis.
In September 2008, the Israeli government officially recognized Nefesh B’Nefesh in a decision designed to enhance Aliyah from Western countries. A unanimous cabinet decision gave the authority to the Ministry of Immigrant Absorption to permanently fund one third of Nefesh B’Nefesh’s annual Aliyah-servicing budget. In February 2010, the Prime Minister’s Office, Ministry of Immigrant Absorption and Ministry of Development of the Negev and the Galilee agreed to intensify their partnerships with Nefesh B’Nefesh.
In May 2008, with the help of Nefesh B’Nefesh, a Knesset lobby was established to encourage Aliyah from western countries. The lobby aims to raise awareness of the unique needs of western Olim and further remove obstacles that they may face during the initial stages of their acclimation.
Cooperative Venture with the Jewish Agency
In September 2008, Nefesh B’Nefesh and the Jewish Agency for Israel reached an agreement which produced a collaborative venture for North American Aliyah.
The most significant implication of the new agreement is that North American Aliyah will now be processed through one application overseen by Nefesh B’Nefesh. Whereas in the past, new Olim had to open an Aliyah file with the Jewish Agency and then apply separately with Nefesh B’Nefesh for Aliyah services, the streamlined process provides a “one-stop shop” making it more time efficient and convenient for Olim.
In December 2007, Nefesh B'Nefesh welcomed its 30th chartered flight to Israel.
In January 2008, Nefesh B'Nefesh, in conjunction with the Legacy Foundation, announced provision of significant fellowship grants for physicians making Aliyah in order to help counteract a projected shortage of physicians in Israel.
In August 2008, the Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI) and Nefesh B'Nefesh created a “one-stop Aliyah shop” designed to streamline the Aliyah process and make it easier for Olim. Under the new “Collaborative Venture” Nefesh B'Nefesh are the primary source responsible for marketing and promoting the concept of Aliyah to Jews in North America. JAFI is responsible for the Aliyah eligibility process with the appropriate authorities in Israel.
In the summer of 2008, Nefesh B'Nefesh announced the arrival of its 16,000th oleh
.http://www.nbn.org.il/news_2007/Nefesh_Welcomes%20its%20_OU.htm. Nefesh B'Nefesh charters its aliyah
flights with EL AL Airlines, Israel's official airline.
In September, 2009, Erez Halfon became Vice Chairman of Nefesh B’Nefesh. Prior to joining Nefesh B’Nefesh, Halfon served as Director General of the Ministry of Immigrant Absorption from 2006 to 2008.
In December 2010, Nefesh B’Nefesh celebrated assisting its 25,000th Oleh.
By the end of summer 2011, Nefesh B'Nefesh will have brought over 30,000 Olim from the US, Canada and the United Kingdom.
Social Services staff help to address the personal concerns of each Oleh prior to Aliyah and for some time afterwards.
viral video that became a major success, registering over 1 million views on YouTube. The mob assembled on Jerusalem's Ben Yehuda Street
and was choreographed by new immigrant Marvin Casey to a Chanukah song by JibJab
. The mob danced to “Hanukkah Hey Ya,” Schwartz’s Chanukah spoof of a chart-topping 2003 OutKast
song, “Hey Ya!.” The song was made into a popular e-card in 2004. See it here.
Aliyah
Aliyah is the immigration of Jews to the Land of Israel . It is a basic tenet of Zionist ideology. The opposite action, emigration from Israel, is referred to as yerida . The return to the Holy Land has been a Jewish aspiration since the Babylonian exile...
by Jewish people to Israel
Israel
The State of Israel is a parliamentary republic located in the Middle East, along the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea...
from North America
North America
North America is a continent wholly within the Northern Hemisphere and almost wholly within the Western Hemisphere. It is also considered a northern subcontinent of the Americas...
and the United Kingdom
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
. The organization was founded in 2002 by Rabbi Yehoshua Fass and Tony Gelbart, and works in cooperation with the Jewish Agency for Israel
Jewish Agency for Israel
The Jewish Agency for Israel , also known as the Sochnut or JAFI, served as the organization in charge of immigration and absorption of Jews from the Diaspora into the state of Israel.-History:...
and the Israeli government.
Overview
Nefesh B'Nefesh is a Jerusalem-based non profit organization that promotes, encourages and facilitates AliyahAliyah
Aliyah is the immigration of Jews to the Land of Israel . It is a basic tenet of Zionist ideology. The opposite action, emigration from Israel, is referred to as yerida . The return to the Holy Land has been a Jewish aspiration since the Babylonian exile...
from the USA, Canada and the United Kingdom. The organization aims to remove or minimize the financial, professional, logistical, and social obstacles that potential Olim face. Nefesh B'Nefesh works in close cooperation with the Jewish Agency, the Government of Israel and major Jewish organizations across all denominations and assists people of all ages in the Pre and Post-Aliyah process, offering resources such as financial aid, employment guidance and networking, assistance navigating the Israeli system, social guidance and counseling.
History
Nefesh B'Nefesh was originally conceived by Rabbi Yehoshua Fass after a family member was killed in a terrorist attack in Israel. Realizing that there were many people who wanted to immigrate to Israel but were concerned about certain obstacles, Rabbi Fass and Florida businessman and philanthropist Tony Gelbart decided to create an organization which would try to make it easier for people to make Aliyah.In the summer of 2002, Nefesh B'Nefesh organized its first chartered Aliyah flight. In the following years, growing demand saw an increasing number of Aliyah flights from North America to Israel, and by the end of 2007, Nefesh B'Nefesh organized more than 30 Aliyah flights.
In May 2006, in response to numerous requests from British Jewry interested in Aliyah, Nefesh B'Nefesh expanded its services to also include the United Kingdom.
Partnership with the Government of Israel
In November 2005, Prime Minister Ariel Sharon authorized government funding for Nefesh B’Nefesh on a trial basis.
In September 2008, the Israeli government officially recognized Nefesh B’Nefesh in a decision designed to enhance Aliyah from Western countries. A unanimous cabinet decision gave the authority to the Ministry of Immigrant Absorption to permanently fund one third of Nefesh B’Nefesh’s annual Aliyah-servicing budget. In February 2010, the Prime Minister’s Office, Ministry of Immigrant Absorption and Ministry of Development of the Negev and the Galilee agreed to intensify their partnerships with Nefesh B’Nefesh.
In May 2008, with the help of Nefesh B’Nefesh, a Knesset lobby was established to encourage Aliyah from western countries. The lobby aims to raise awareness of the unique needs of western Olim and further remove obstacles that they may face during the initial stages of their acclimation.
Cooperative Venture with the Jewish Agency
In September 2008, Nefesh B’Nefesh and the Jewish Agency for Israel reached an agreement which produced a collaborative venture for North American Aliyah.
The most significant implication of the new agreement is that North American Aliyah will now be processed through one application overseen by Nefesh B’Nefesh. Whereas in the past, new Olim had to open an Aliyah file with the Jewish Agency and then apply separately with Nefesh B’Nefesh for Aliyah services, the streamlined process provides a “one-stop shop” making it more time efficient and convenient for Olim.
Milestones
In December 2006, Nefesh B'Nefesh brought its 10,000th Oleh to Israel on its 23rd Aliyah flight.In December 2007, Nefesh B'Nefesh welcomed its 30th chartered flight to Israel.
In January 2008, Nefesh B'Nefesh, in conjunction with the Legacy Foundation, announced provision of significant fellowship grants for physicians making Aliyah in order to help counteract a projected shortage of physicians in Israel.
In August 2008, the Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI) and Nefesh B'Nefesh created a “one-stop Aliyah shop” designed to streamline the Aliyah process and make it easier for Olim. Under the new “Collaborative Venture” Nefesh B'Nefesh are the primary source responsible for marketing and promoting the concept of Aliyah to Jews in North America. JAFI is responsible for the Aliyah eligibility process with the appropriate authorities in Israel.
In the summer of 2008, Nefesh B'Nefesh announced the arrival of its 16,000th oleh
Oleh
Oleh may refer to:* Oleh, Nigeria* The Ukrainian version of the name Oleg* A Jew immigrating to Israel...
.http://www.nbn.org.il/news_2007/Nefesh_Welcomes%20its%20_OU.htm. Nefesh B'Nefesh charters its aliyah
Aliyah
Aliyah is the immigration of Jews to the Land of Israel . It is a basic tenet of Zionist ideology. The opposite action, emigration from Israel, is referred to as yerida . The return to the Holy Land has been a Jewish aspiration since the Babylonian exile...
flights with EL AL Airlines, Israel's official airline.
In September, 2009, Erez Halfon became Vice Chairman of Nefesh B’Nefesh. Prior to joining Nefesh B’Nefesh, Halfon served as Director General of the Ministry of Immigrant Absorption from 2006 to 2008.
In December 2010, Nefesh B’Nefesh celebrated assisting its 25,000th Oleh.
By the end of summer 2011, Nefesh B'Nefesh will have brought over 30,000 Olim from the US, Canada and the United Kingdom.
Financial Aid
Nefesh B’Nefesh provides financial aid to eligible Aliyah candidates in order to help defray some of the relocation costs.Government Advocacy Services
Nefesh B'Nefesh provides assistance with Israeli bureaucratic procedures and helps Olim overcome language and cultural gaps. The Government Advocacy Department works with governmental and institutional bodies, such as the Ministries of Interior and Immigrant Absorption. The Government Advocacy Department provides information for Olim, such as guides for dealing with government offices and agencies, and information regarding benefits.Employment Services
Nefesh B’Nefesh assists Olim in searching for jobs. It provides pre- and post- Aliyah employment counseling sessions and matches Olim with professionals in their field, assists in tailoring resumes to the Israeli market, provides information about job retraining, and offers guidance in starting businesses. In addition, the Employment Department lobbies on behalf of various professions which require official licensing.Social Services
Nefesh B’Nefesh maintains regular contact with Olim prior to Aliyah and after arrival in Israel. The organization conducts ongoing seminars and workshops, helps families identify suitable communities, and assists students in finding appropriate educational tracks. It also provides a supportive network for singles and retirees.Social Services staff help to address the personal concerns of each Oleh prior to Aliyah and for some time afterwards.
Special Programs
Nefesh B'Nefesh runs several special programs: Soldier Aliyah Fund, Go North Program and Physician Aliyah Fellowship Program.Overseas Programming
Nefesh B’Nefesh conducts pre-Aliyah informational seminars throughout North America and the UK, throughout the year. The seminars cover the technical aspects of making Aliyah and finding employment in Israel as well as the emotional implications of the move.Call Center
Nefesh B’Nefesh has an in-house call center, which operates as a resource for technical information about Aliyah. You can reach the call center by phoning (in the U.S.) 1-866-4-ALIYAH or 0800-075-7200 (in the U.K.).Business Directory
Nefesh B'Nefesh operates an online business directory to assist the English speaking community in Israel. Over 2,000 businesses have joined the directory. See: www.nbnbusiness.co.ilLogo
Nefesh B’Nefesh's logo, which depicts a picture of a family holding hands, reflects Nefesh B'Nefesh's goal to assist North American Jews to return to Israel by helping them through the process. . Some believe that the logo reflects Nefesh B'Nefesh's initial focus on assisting families who immigrate to Israel. More recently, Nefesh B'Nefesh has worked to improve its services to other demographics, including students and singles.Hanukkah Flash Mob
In 2009 Nefesh B'Nefesh produced a Hanukkah Flash MobFlash mob
A flash mob is a group of people who assemble suddenly in a public place, perform an unusual and sometimes seemingly pointless act for a brief time, then disperse, often for the purposes of entertainment, satire, artistic expression...
viral video that became a major success, registering over 1 million views on YouTube. The mob assembled on Jerusalem's Ben Yehuda Street
Ben Yehuda Street
Ben Yehuda Street , known as the "Midrachov" is a major street in downtown Jerusalem, Israel. It is now a pedestrian mall and closed to vehicular traffic. The street runs from the intersection of King George Street to Zion Square and Jaffa Road...
and was choreographed by new immigrant Marvin Casey to a Chanukah song by JibJab
JibJab
JibJab is a digital entertainment studio based in Venice, California. Founded in 1999 by Evan and Gregg Spiridellis, it was noticed during the 2004 US presidential election when their video of George W. Bush and John Kerry singing "This Land is Your Land" became a hit. The company creates,...
. The mob danced to “Hanukkah Hey Ya,” Schwartz’s Chanukah spoof of a chart-topping 2003 OutKast
OutKast
Outkast is an American hip hop duo based in East Point, Georgia, consisting of Atlanta native André "André 3000" Benjamin and Savannah, Georgia-born Antwan "Big Boi" Patton. They were originally known as Two Shades Deep but later changed the group's name to OutKast...
song, “Hey Ya!.” The song was made into a popular e-card in 2004. See it here.