New Rochelle girl is 100,000th Nefesh B’Nefesh oleh
Nefesh B’Nefesh celebrated on Sunday the arrival of its 100,000th North American oleh, a landmark achievement since the organization’s founding in 2002.
President Isaac Herzog welcomed the family, which made aliyah from New Rochelle, to the President’s Residence alongside Israel’s Minister of Aliyah and Integration Ofir Sofer, and Nefesh B’Nefesh Co-Founders Rabbi Yehoshua Fass and Tony Gelbart.
The milestone was marked by the aliyah of Jeffrey and Atara Douglas, who arrived in Jerusalem with their three children, Nathaniel (10), Hallie (9), and Emilia (6). Emilia was Nefesh B’Nefesh’s Number 100,000.
Since its founding, Nefesh B’Nefesh has transformed the aliyah experience for North American Jews by streamlining bureaucracy, providing comprehensive guidance before and after arrival, and helping olim successfully integrate into Israeli society.
“The Douglas family is setting a wonderful example for millions of Jews all over the world, and I wish them every success in their integration and new life here in Israel,” Herzog said.
“Each person who made aliyah has contributed to Israel in ways both visible and unseen,” said Nefesh B’Nefesh Co-Founder and Chairman Tony Gelbart. “They have helped build stronger communities, strengthened the country’s economy, enriched its culture and ensured a vibrant future for generations to come.”
Nefesh B’Nefesh Co-Founder and Executive Director Rabbi Yeshoshu Fass said the milestone is about what will follow, “about the sabra children born because their parents chose to build their future in Israel, and the grandchildren who know no other home.
“It’s about communities that have flourished, careers that have strengthened the country, soldiers who have defended it, educators who have inspired it, physicians who have healed it and entrepreneurs who have built it. The true impact of aliyah can’t be measured by a single number, as every oleh creates a legacy that extends far beyond themselves”
Minister of Aliyah and Integration Ofir Sofer pledged “to continue to promote and encourage aliyah while ensuring that new olim and their families receive the support they need to successfully integrate into the country.”
In partnership with Israel’s Ministry of Aliyah and Integration, the Jewish Agency for Israel, Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael, and JNF-USA, Nefesh B’Nefesh provides support and social services to facilitate aliyah from North America, with the goal of ensuring their long-term commitment to building meaningful lives in Israel and contributing to the nation’s growth.
Reported by Nefesh B’Nefesh
