Nefesh B'Nefesh - History

History

Nefesh B'Nefesh was originally conceived by Rabbi Yehoshua Fass after a family member was killed in a terrorist attack in Israel on March 28, 2001. 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.

In the summer of 2002, Nefesh B'Nefesh organized its first chartered Aliyah flight. In November 2005, Prime Minister Ariel Sharon authorized government funding for Nefesh B'Nefesh on a trial basis. In May 2006, in response to numerous requests from British Jews interested in Aliyah, services were expanded to also include the United Kingdom. In December 2006, Nefesh B'Nefesh brought its 10,000th Oleh, and in December 2007 the organization welcomed its 30th chartered flight to Israel.

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. In May 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.

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. 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. 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. A unanimous cabinet decision gave the authority to the Ministry of Immigrant Absorption to permanently fund one third of Nefesh B'Nefesh's annual budget. In 2009, oil tycoon Guma Aguiar donated 8 million dollars to the organization.

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. 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.