New York—Over 1,500 people gathered at John Jay College in Manhattan on Sunday for the 9th annual Nefesh B’Nefesh Israel Mega Event. The event drew the largest crowd ever, including many from New Jersey, indicating a record-high interest in Israeli immigration from the United States.
“More people from several categories, including young professionals, are making aliyah,” said Jake Sharfman, co-founder of J Cubed Communications, an event representative. “There’s definitely a trend because of the high-tech boon. A lot of people have been saying it’s almost easier to find jobs there. And as a result of the political environment in the U.S., many have been prompted to try to fulfill their aliyah dreams now.”
The aliyah fair, themed “Imagine Greater Possibilities,” provided a full-service aliyah-planning experience for prospective olim. Participants were able to choose from over 50 sessions, workshops and one-on-one meetings with Israeli organizations and aliyah professionals on topics including home buying, education, professional licensing, health insurance, financial planning, oleh rights and benefits, strategic job searching, hi-tech jobs, legalities of roommates and renting, the “Anglo bubble” and army service. There were specialized tracks for retirees and empty nesters, students and young professionals. Additionally, eight Israeli municipalities were represented at the fair to provide a snapshot of life across the country, and sessions were held to describe different communities. The atmosphere at the event was fun and lively, including a mini “shuk” with refreshments and live music. There was also a kids’ program for children ages 5-10 to play Israeli-themed games and create artwork.
“Every year, our aliyah mega event becomes more of an integral tool for building aliyah confidence,” said Rabbi Yehoshua Fass, co-founder and executive director of Nefesh B’Nefesh. “To see how the mega events have evolved in the past nine years and to watch the level of interest in aliyah grow is truly remarkable. It’s also incredible to see that Israeli institutions and municipalities realize the impact olim have on the State of Israel, and are eager to be a part of such a landmark event,” he added.
For some participants, attending the event was the initial stage of their aliyah exploration, while for others it provided the important last pieces enabling them to finalize their aliyah plans. “I have always dreamed of moving to Israel, and if you’re going to do it, Nefesh B”Nefesh is definitely the best way to go,” said a Teaneck resident of 19 years who wished to remain anonymous. “My daughter is studying there, and while Teaneck is great, I feel like there’s no place—no community—like Israel. Since my husband is a physician, this could not be more helpful. It’s a no-brainer.”
From meetings with accountants to financial planners, shippers and a host of Israeli vendors, participants were assisted on a broad range of matters associated with moving to Israel. The director of Big Idea, an international technology summer camp in Israel, Dotan Tamir, who runs a unique program at the JCC in Tenafly for kids ages 7-14, said: “This is the place to be to connect with those who want to connect with Israel. Our counselors come from Israel to teach two tracks, English and Hebrew, for about 180 American and Israeli kids who are here in New Jersey, some of whom plan to make aliyah with their families, some live here but want to maintain an Israeli connection or hope to return to Israel. We come to this huge event because we want people to know we are here, in your backyard, to help you maintain that Israeli connection and to give back.”
This year, as a response to a rising number of medical professionals interested in moving to Israel, representatives from seven hospitals and four health care providers were on-site to assist leading doctors from the U.S. to join their staff. Over 300 medical professionals participated in the on-site event and representatives of Israel’s Health Ministry were on hand to offer on-the-spot licensing and professional consultations. Sessions for medical professionals included “The Israeli Medical Landscape: Present and Future Opportunities” and “Alternative Employment Options for Physicians.”
Member of Knesset Dov Lipman was present to speak at a scheduled session, mingle with the crowd and join radio host Nachum Segal for a live broadcast of the mega event. He wondered aloud: “What would our ancestors have given to be a part of this conversation, to have the ability to go back and forth to Eretz Yisrael?” He added: “I would not have made aliyah were it not for Nefesh B’Nefesh.”
In addition to NYC, aliyah fairs will be held in Toronto, Montreal and Los Angeles. All the fairs are being co-hosted by Nefesh B’Nefesh, Israel’s Ministry of Aliyah and Immigrant Absorption, The Jewish Agency for Israel, Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael and JNF-USA. Founded in 2002, Nefesh B’Nefesh, in cooperation with the Israeli government and The Jewish Agency for Israel, is dedicated to revitalizing aliyah from North America and the U.K. by removing or minimizing the financial, professional, logistical and social obstacles of aliyah.
By Lisa Matkowsky
