Nefesh B'Nefesh

Nefesh B'Nefesh (Hebrew: נפש בנפש‎, lit. 'Soul to soul'), or Jewish Souls United, a nonprofit organization, promotes, encourages and facilitates Aliyah (Jewish immigration to Israel) from the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom.[2] 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 for Israel, the Government of Israel and major Jewish organizations across various 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. Since 2002 Nefesh B'Nefesh has brought over 60,000 Olim to Israel.[3] In 2011 Nefesh B'Nefesh co-founder Yehoshua Fass received the Moskowitz Prize for Zionism on behalf of the organization.[4]

Nefesh B'Nefesh
נפש בנפש‎
AbbreviationNBN
MottoMake Aliyah. Move to Israel. Live the Dream.
FormationAugust 2001 (2001-08)
Founders
  • Tony Gelbart
  • Yehoshua Fass
TypeNonprofit organization
22-3804152
Legal status501(c)(3)
FocusAliyah (Jewish immigration to Israel)
HeadquartersJerusalem, Israel
Location
ServicesEmployment, logistical and financial assistance
Chairman
Tony Gelbart
Executive director
Yehoshua Fass
Vice-chairman
Erez Halfon
Revenue (2014)
US$18,961,977[1]
Expenses (2014)US$18,361,585[1]
Websitewww.nbn.org.il
Part of a series on
Aliyah
Jewish return to the Land of Israel
Concepts
Pre-Modern Aliyah
Aliyah in modern times
Absorption
Organizations
Related topics

History

Nefesh B'Nefesh was originally conceived by Rabbi Yehoshua Fass after a family member was killed in a terrorist attack in Israel on 28 March 2001.[5] 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 American Jews to make Aliyah.[6]

In the summer of 2002, Nefesh B'Nefesh organized its first chartered Aliyah flight.[7] In November 2005, Prime Minister Ariel Sharon authorized government funding for Nefesh B'Nefesh on a trial basis.[8] In May 2006, in response to numerous requests from British Jews interested in Aliyah, services were expanded to also include the UK.[8] In December 2006, Nefesh B'Nefesh brought its 10,000th Oleh.[9]

In January 2008, Nefesh B'Nefesh, in conjunction with Legacy Heritage Fund, announced provision of significant fellowship grants for physicians making Aliyah in order to help counteract a projected shortage of physicians in Israel.[10][11] In March 2008, with the help of Nefesh B'Nefesh, a Knesset "Lobby for the Encouragement for Aliya from the West" was established. 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.[12]

In August 2008, the Jewish Agency for Israel and Nefesh B'Nefesh created a "one-stop shop" designed to streamline the Aliyah process and make it easier for Olim.[13] Under the new "collaborative venture" Nefesh B'Nefesh is the primary source responsible for marketing and promoting the concept of Aliyah to Jews in North America. The Jewish Agency is responsible for the Aliyah eligibility process with the appropriate authorities in Israel. In September 2008, the Israeli government officially recognized Nefesh B'Nefesh in a decision designed to enhance Aliyah from Western countries.[14]

In December 2008, Nefesh B'Nefesh, in cooperation with the Israeli government and the Jewish Agency, and with the support of the Russell Berrie Foundation, launched the "Go North" initiative. The initiative presents prospective immigrants with an unprecedented benefits package to help new Olim move to Northern Israel.[15] In 2009, oil tycoon Guma Aguiar donated $8 million to the organization.[16] In September 2009, Erez Halfon became Vice Chairman of Nefesh B'Nefesh. Prior to joining the organization, he served as Director General of the Ministry of Immigrant Absorption from 2006 to 2008.[17] In February 2010, the Office of the Prime Minister, Ministry of Immigrant Absorption and Ministry for the Development of the Negev and Galilee agreed to intensify their partnerships with Nefesh B'Nefesh.[18]

In September 2013, Nefesh B'Nefesh's Bonei Zion Prize was established, "in order to formally recognize the achievements of outstanding Anglo Olim and their contribution to the State of Israel." A prize is awarded in each of the following categories: Community & non-profit, education, Israel advocacy, science & medicine, young leadership, and culture, art & sports.[19]

Services
Nefesh B'Nefesh charter flight, 2007

Nefesh B'Nefesh provides assistance with Israeli bureaucratic procedures and helps Olim overcome cultural gaps. The Government Advocacy Department works with governmental and institutional bodies, such as the Ministries of Interior and Immigrant Absorption. The department provides information for Olim, such as guides for dealing with government offices and agencies, and information regarding benefits.[20]

Nefesh B'Nefesh provides financial aid to eligible Aliyah candidates in order to help defray some of the relocation costs.[21] Nefesh B'Nefesh maintains regular contact with Olim prior to Aliyah and after arrival in Israel.[2] The organization has an in-house call center and 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.[22] Social Services staff help to address the personal concerns of each Oleh prior to Aliyah and for some time afterwards.[23]

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.[24] In addition, the Employment Department lobbies on behalf of various professions which require official licensing.[25] Nefesh B'Nefesh runs several special programs such as Soldier Aliyah Fund and Physician Aliyah Program.[26] Nefesh B'Nefesh provides chartered and group Aliyah flights with El Al Airlines, Israel's official airline.[27] In 2019, the organization launched a 'MedEx' track for prospective immigrants to help smooth the process for medical professionals who were moving to Israel.[28]

The Nefesh B'Nefesh website includes an online application for Nefesh B'Nefesh assistance and Jewish Agency for Israel approval.[29] It also includes the Aliyahpedia, a collection of articles about Aliyah, helping readers learn about Israeli communities, schools, employment, financial planning and Aliyah rights. The website offers additional resources such as an online calendar of events and a library of taped seminars.[30]

Go Beyond-North program

The Go Beyond-North program[31] aims to encourage Jews from North America and the UK to immigrate directly to the northern part of Israel, including the following regions: Galilee, Golan Heights, Jezreel Valley and Upper Jordan Valley.[32] The city of Haifa and its neighboring suburbs (Krayot) are not part of the program.[15] The program dealt with overcoming the concerns that the long distance from the country's center area and lack of development might arouse absorption issues. By ongoing employment assistance, tailor-fitted social programming and a personal guidance system by the local Go Beyond-North staff the transition chances are higher.[33] Applications for the program are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.[34][35]

Due to the joint venture of the Jewish Agency for Israel and Nefesh B'Nefesh, an Oleh can take advantage of a "one-stop shop" offering both Aliyah approval and the Go Beyond-North application services.[36] Olim who already made Aliyah and wish to relocate to the northern region, can apply to the program as well. In 2013 Movin’ On Up! an effort to help Olim move from Central Israel to the Go Beyond-North region was initiated.[37] The official goal aimed by the program is settling a total of 1,500 Olim in the upper northern part of Israel within a planned period of 5 years.[38]

The financial assistance funds offered to the qualified applicants are pending a three-year period. A residents who leave the region and therefore the project, are required to return up to 50 percent of the awarded funds. In case of leaving Israel and going back abroad, a full fund return will be required.[39] The budget for the initiative stands on the total sum of $10 million US dollars. A major source of the budget is The Russell Berrie Foundation donation, with additional funding from the Government of Israel and the Jewish National Fund.[33][40]

Go Beyond-South program

Due to the success of the Go Beyond-North program, Nefesh B'Nefesh expanded into the south under their Go Beyond-South program.[41] The primary goal of the Go Beyond-South program is to raise awareness among potential olim about opportunities in the south.[42] The Go Beyond-South program is run by Donna Horwitz.[41][43]

The southern district of Israel, known as the Negev, makes up 66% of Israel's land, however makes up only 8% of Israel's population.[44] In addition to the regular Aliyah benefits, the Go Beyond-South program offers assistance through assistance with financial grants and employment. Additionally they offer local support and networking.[45]

Criticism

In late 2012, the Haaretz newspaper published an investigation that made claims against Nefesh B'Nefesh alleging that the organization has not significantly increased Aliyah since its founding, that it has double-billed the government for Olim who arrived with the assistance of other organizations, and that its employee salaries were bloated.[46] Nefesh B'Nefesh denied Haaretz's accusations and maintained that government audited figures showed a 140% increase of Aliyah in the ten years of the organization's operation, and that another five-year comprehensive government audit found no irregularities or duplication in Nefesh B'Nefesh's invoicing protocol. Nefesh B'Nefesh also stated that its salaries were well within comparative norms and counter claimed that the Haaretz article was politically motivated.[47]

In 2014, writing for The Times of Israel, Haviv Rettig Gur claimed the recent raise in aliyah had "nothing to do with the organization’s laudable work which eased the aliya process for immigrants’ but did nothing to increase their numbers."[48] Gur criticized Nefesh B’Nefesh for taking credit for an increase in aliyah that was already on the rebound. He backed up his claim with official statistics that showed American aliyah was just as high in the mid 1990s and that the post year 2000 peak simply "marked an American aliya that had recovered from the terrorism-driven dip of the previous decade."[48]

Hanukkah flash mob

In 2009 Nefesh B'Nefesh produced a Hanukkah flash mob viral video, registering over one million views on YouTube.[49][50] The mob assembled on Jerusalem's Ben Yehuda Street and was choreographed by new immigrant Marvin Casey. The participants danced to the song "Hanukkah Hey Ya" by American comedian Eric Schwartz, spoof of an Outkast song "Hey Ya!"[51]

Partners

Nefesh B'Nefesh works in partnership with the following organizations:[52]

gollark: I think they try and collect virus genetic material from your nose somewhere.
gollark: Cryptocurrencies are... technically interesting but not something I'd want to use much.
gollark: There are fewer sunspots now, or something.
gollark: ···
gollark: People somehow don't realize the difference between "WiFi" and "an internet connection".

See also

References
  1. "Nefesh B'Nefesh". GuideStar. Retrieved 7 April 2016.
  2. "NBN Mission Statement". Nefesh B'Nefesh. Archived from the original on 10 November 2012. Retrieved 10 November 2012.
  3. "With music and shofar blasts, Israel welcomes olim from North America". The Jerusalem Post. Retrieved 14 August 2019.
  4. Benari, Elad (31 May 2011). "Moskowitz Zionism Prizes Awarded". Arutz Sheva. Retrieved 10 April 2016.
  5. Karp, Miriam. "Moving Up". Jewish Holiday Online. Archived from the original on 30 November 2007. Retrieved 26 November 2012.
  6. "An Interview with Rabbi Yehoshua Fass". Kol Hamevaser. Retrieved 13 May 2015.
  7. Garber, Stephanie. "Nefesh B'Nefesh doubles aliyah". Cleveland Jewish News. Retrieved 13 May 2015.
  8. "Highlights of Jewish News: 5766 September 2005". JTA. Retrieved 13 May 2015.
  9. "Nefesh B'Nefesh Welcomes its 10,000th Oleh!". Shabbat Shalom. Orthodox Union. 17 January 2007. Retrieved 10 November 2012.
  10. Halevy, Jonathan. "Medical alert: Israeli health care is flourishing". J Weekly. Retrieved 13 May 2015.
  11. "NEFESH B'NEFESH AND LEGACY HERITAGE FUND LAUNCH PHYSICIAN ALIYAH CAMPAIGN". Israel Jewish News. Retrieved 13 May 2015.
  12. "Knesset Lobby For Aliyah From the West Launched". Arutz Sheva. 12 March 2008.
  13. Rettig, Haviv (1 September 2008). "US aliya ceded to Nefesh B'Nefesh". The Jerusalem Post. Retrieved 10 November 2012.
  14. Pfeffer, Anshel (31 August 2008). "Nefesh B'Nefesh Takes Over North America Aliyah Operations". Haaretz. Retrieved 10 April 2016.
  15. Eichner, Itamar (15 December 2008). "Nefesh B'Nefesh launches 'Go North' campaign". Ynetnews. Retrieved 10 April 2016.
  16. "Guma Aguiar Left Tefillin on Ghost Yacht". The Forward. 4 September 2012. Retrieved 9 November 2012.
  17. "Erez Halfon Joins Nefesh B'Nefesh". The Yeshiva World. Retrieved 13 May 2015.
  18. "Shalom: Thousands of olim settled in Negev and Galilee". The Jerusalem Post. 27 January 2011.
  19. "Bonei Zion Prize". Nefesh B'Nefesh. 4 January 2018. Retrieved 27 March 2018.
  20. "Guide for the New Immigrant" (PDF). Ministry of Immigrant Absorption. 2016. Retrieved 10 April 2016.
  21. "Eligibility for Nefesh B'Nefesh Financial Aid and Services". Nefesh B'Nefesh.
  22. "Getting Started: Families Retirees Singles Teens & Students". Nefesh B'Nefesh. Retrieved 10 November 2012.
  23. "Helping You Settle In – NBN Post-Aliyah Department". Nefesh B'Nefesh.
  24. "Employment Resources". Nefesh B'Nefesh.
  25. "Professional Licensing in Israel". Nefesh B'Nefesh. Retrieved 7 September 2015.
  26. "IDF sets up lone soldiers department". The Jerusalem Post. 23 January 2011.
  27. "Aliyah Flight: Options & Schedule". Nefesh B'Nefesh.
  28. "Israel eases immigration process for medical professionals". AZ Jewish Post.
  29. "Nefesh B'Nefesh". Archived from the original on 11 November 2012. Retrieved 10 November 2012.
  30. "Upcoming Nefesh B'Nefesh Virtual Meetings/Seminars". Nefesh B'Nefesh. Retrieved 7 September 2015.
  31. "'Go Beyond' push launched by Nefesh B'Nefesh". The Jewish Star. Retrieved 7 March 2019.
  32. "Go North". Nefesh B'Nefesh. Retrieved 30 November 2012.
  33. "Numbers Up for Nefesh B'Nefesh's 'Go North' Program". Haaretz. 22 October 2010.
  34. "Go North FAQ". Nefesh B'Nefesh.
  35. NJJN, Special to. "Nefesh B'Nefesh and Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael (KKL) announces joint initiative, "Go Beyond"". njjewishnews.timesofisrael.com. Retrieved 7 March 2019.
  36. "Jewish Agency Enters Strategic Partnership With Nefesh B'Nefesh". Haaretz. 11 June 2004.
  37. "Go North Program". Nefesh B'Nefesh. Retrieved 7 September 2015.
  38. "Making Aliyah? Get financial incentives for moving to northern Israel". Buy Property in Israel. 13 July 2010. Retrieved 7 September 2015.
  39. "Go North Addendum" (PDF). Nefesh B'Nefesh. Retrieved 7 September 2015.
  40. "Nefesh B'Nefesh". The Russell Berrie Foundation. Archived from the original on 2 April 2016. Retrieved 7 April 2016.
  41. "Immigrants to Israel showcase entrepreneurial successes at 'Shark Tank'-style competition". Jewish Telegraphic Agency. 27 February 2019. Retrieved 7 March 2019.
  42. Nefesh B’Nefesh Go South Program
  43. Welcome
  44. About Go South
  45. Benefits: Go South
  46. Levinson, Chaim; Blau, Uri; Twersky, Mordechai I. (20 October 2012). "Nefesh B'Nefesh an ineffective monopoly with overpaid executives, say critics". Haaretz. Retrieved 9 November 2012.
  47. "Nefesh B'Nefesh's response to the recent Haaretz articles on October 20, 2012". Press Releases. Nefesh B'Nefesh. Retrieved 10 November 2012.
  48. Gur, Haviv Rettig (9 September 2014). "The end of aliya?". Times Of Israel. Retrieved 23 September 2014.
  49. Abitbol, David (24 November 2009). "Jerusalem Flashmob". Jewlicious Festivals. Retrieved 10 November 2012.
  50. Nefesh B'Nefesh Hanukkah Flash Mob (Official NBN Release). Jerusalem: Nefesh B'Nefesh. 2009. Retrieved 10 November 2012.
  51. Torok, Ryan (2 December 2009). "Smooth-E's Jewtronic Music-Making". The Jewish Journal. Retrieved 10 November 2012.
  52. "Our Partners". Nefesh B'Nefesh. Retrieved 10 April 2016.

Further reading

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