Moving on up: Aliyah hopefuls flock to fairs

With two powerful events dedicated to advancing aliyah, Nefesh B’Nefesh and its partners drew hundreds of participants to Teaneck on Sunday and Monday.

About 600 people attended NBN’s flagship Aliyah Fair, an annual gathering that’s a one-stop hub for essential services and expert consultations on every step of the aliyah journey. Participants engaged with trusted professionals, including representatives from the Jerusalem Municipality, legal and real estate experts, notaries, and financial consultants, receiving personalized guidance on documentation, licensing, background checks, and financing options in Israel.

Throughout the fair, attendees participated in workshops designed to simplify the complex aliyah process. Real-time consultations, one-on-one expert sessions, and interactive panels ensured that each individual received tailored assistance for their unique aliyah plans.

On Sunday, over 500 Jewish doctors and healthcare professionals gathered at the 10th annual MedEx event hosted by Israel’s Ministry of Aliyah and Integration, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Negev, Galilee and National Resilience and Nefesh B’Nefesh and in partnership with the Jewish Agency for Israel. MedEx works to streamline the aliyah process for medical professionals and ensure their successful integration into Israel’s healthcare workforce.

MedEx is a flagship initiative of the International Medical Aliyah Program (IMAP), a nationwide effort to address Israel’s physician shortage — an issue highlighted by both the World Health Organization and the OECD. IMAP aims to bring 2,000 Jewish doctors to Israel over the next five years, alongside thousands of other healthcare professionals, by facilitating recruitment, licensing, and professional integration into Israel’s medical system.

A record-breaking 519 physicians made aliyah in 2024.

This year’s New Jersey MedEx drew physicians from 25 states and provinces across the US and Canada, along with other medical professionals, including nurses, dentists, podiatrists, psychologists, optometrists, pharmacists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, physiotherapists, audiologists, dietitians and nutritionists, and dental hygienists. For the first time, physician assistants were also able to receive guidance and support.

“Since October 7th, tens of thousands of new immigrants have chosen to come to Israel, even in the midst of the war,” said Minister of Aliyah and Integration Ofir Sofer. “They did so out of a deep belief in the return to Zion and the future of our country. Aliyah is the central value of Zionism, it is the essence of the return to Zion.”

“This week has been extremely impactful and inspiring, as we witnessed the North American Jewish community’s unwavering commitment to Israel, and the growing interest in aliyah,” said Rabbi Yehoshua Fass, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Nefesh B’Nefesh. “We are proud to offer a comprehensive platform that provides each individual with the resources and guidance needed to turn their dream of building a life in Israel into reality.”

“Aliyah is the realization of the vision of the ingathering of the exiles. It is at the heart of Zionism and the main driving force behind the growth of the State of Israel in all areas of life,” said Chairman of the Jewish Agency, Major General (Res.) Doron Almog. “We are witnessing an unprecedented mobilization of Jews from North America and around the world, eager to strengthen their connection with Israel and turn the dream of aliyah into a reality.”

Complementing the larger Aliyah Fair was an “Aliyah-In-One” initiative, a streamlined mini-fair designed for those already in the process of making aliyah. Held in Toronto and New Jersey, and with plans to expand to Los Angeles, Miami, and New Jersey again later this year, these targeted events allowed future olim to submit necessary documents, receive background checks, and complete key paperwork with expedited services, ensuring a smoother and faster transition to life in Israel, NBN explained.

Founded in 2002, Nefesh B’Nefesh is dedicated to addressing the evolving national needs of the State of Israel through four key pillars: Aliyah, National Service, National Development, and Zionist Education. Each of these pillars is strengthened by expanded services designed to benefit the broader community.  In partnership with Israel’s Ministry of Aliyah and Integration.

For the Aliyah Fair, NBN partnered with Israel’s Ministry of Aliyah and Integration, the Jewish Agency for Israel, Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael (KKL), and Jewish National Fund-USA (JNF-USA).

NBN’s Gilbert said that “MedEx is more than just an event, it’s a vital bridge linking skilled Jewish medical professionals with meaningful opportunities to make a significant difference to the State of Israel. We are proud to support their journeys, knowing they will not only strengthen Israel’s healthcare system but also enrich their own lives through this impactful experience.”

At MedEx, attendees connected with representatives from Israel’s Ministry of Health, health funds (kupot cholim), and leading hospitals to explore licensing requirements, job opportunities, relocation grants, and placement options for working in Israel’s periphery. Remarkably, over 100 of the attendees submitted their documents for licensing to the Ministry of Health at the event.

Real-time job interviews were conducted by representatives from major health insurance funds and hospitals, including Ziv, Poriah and Rambam Medical Centers from northern Israel, Sheba and Ichilov Medical Centers from the Center, Hadassah, Shaare Zedek and Herzog from Jerusalem, Meuhedet, Clalit, Leumit and Maccabi Healthcare funds, enabling medical professionals to secure employment quickly upon arrival. A special emphasis was placed on opportunities in Israel’s periphery, supported by new grant programs from the Ministry of the Negev, Galilee and National Resilience, and the T’kuma government administration in the Gaza envelope.

“The Ministry of the Negev, Galilee, and National Resilience is committed to closing the existing gaps and strengthening the healthcare system in Israel’s Northern and Southern  regions,”  said Director General of the Ministry of the Negev, Galilee, and National Resilience, Yohanan Mali. As part of this effort, special incentives of up to NIS 400,000 are offered to doctors who choose to work in these regions.

“During this difficult time for Israel, the strong bond of the Jewish people is clear, and our deep partnership with Jewish communities around the world continues to make a tremendous impact on our country,” said Chairman of the Jewish Agency, Major General (Res.) Doron Almog. “This initiative, which brings leading Jewish doctors to join Israel’s healthcare system, is a powerful example of the unconditional love from our brothers and sisters in Jewish communities around the world. Aliyah is a major driver of growth and integrating new immigrants into healthcare and other fields is a key part of building and rebuilding Israel.”

Since its inception, Nefesh B’Nefesh has facilitated the aliyah of over 1,000 physicians and more than 3,500 healthcare professionals, successfully integrating them into Israel’s hospitals, health funds, and private practices, NBN said.

News supplied by Nefesh B’Nefesh.