Nefesh B’Nefesh (NBN) is a non-profit organization who help to make the Aliyah process easier for Jews of the Diaspora. Aliyah, or going up, is the name for moving to Israel and becoming a citizen. Since 2002, NBN has helped people from all over the world integrate into Israeli society, helping with the language barriers, finding jobs and careers, financial support, moving logistics, and even the plane ticket to Israel. More than 60 flights from New York have been filled to the brim with Olim (or immigrants) totally funded by NBN.
They have helped over 60,000 people successfully move to Israel, with 6,300 being lone soldiers. In addition to just helping people move, they also help promote the cities outside of the center of Israel. Both the North and the South are wildly underpopulated compared to the center of Israel, and with the help of NBN, more than 7,000 people have moved to either end of the country, with a program they call “Pioneers to Israel’s Periphery”.
NBN is a one stop shop for New Immigrants (OIim Chadashim) with connections to different Ulpan (intensive Hebrew) lessons, army recruitment and placement, the government, and so much more. However, the help doesn’t stop once you move. NBN works constantly to make sure each and every new immigrant in Israel is getting the rights and benefits they deserve. In addition to all the benefits for Lone Soldiers (written about last week), Olim are also given a wide array of benefits from the government. For instance, Olim are given a large sum of money spread out over the first six months of living there. They also are given discounts to different taxes and home rentals. Depending on age, Olim are also offered a tuition benefit, in which they can get a next level education heavily subsidized. The benefits seem to never end, and NBN is there for you every step of the way, making sure you get what you are owed and are settling in as smoothly as possible.
If you or someone you know is interested in making Aliyah, or want to learn more about the Olim benefits or NBN in general, head to https://www.nbn.org.il/
