Partnerships with the Government of Israel and the Jewish Agency for Israel - Nefesh B'Nefesh

Partnership with the Government of Israel

Nefesh B’Nefesh first formalized its partnership with the Israeli government in November 2005, when Prime Minister Ariel Sharon authorized governmental funding for Nefesh B’Nefesh on a trial basis. 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 Aliyah-servicing budget.

In addition to receiving government funding, in May 2008 Nefesh B’Nefesh was involved in creating a Knesset lobby that encourages Aliyah from Western countries and raises awareness of the unique needs of Olim and the obstacles that they may face during the initial stages of acclimation.

Currently, Nefesh B’Nefesh is the sole NGO that has authority to certify Proof of Residency for the Bituach Leumi (National Insurance Institute) and is deputized to utilize a portable passport control scanner for the Israel Border Police.

Cooperative Venture with the Jewish Agency
In September 2008, Nefesh B’Nefesh and the Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI) reached a historic agreement which outlines an unprecedented collaborative venture for North American Aliyah. Nefesh B’Nefesh now has the primary operational responsibility for marketing and promotion of North American Aliyah, while the Jewish Agency maintains its exclusive responsibility for the Aliyah eligibility process vis-à-vis the appropriate authorities in Israel.

The most significant implication of the new agreement is that North American Aliyah will now be processed through one application overseen by Nefesh B’Nefesh. Whereas in the past, new Olim had to open an Aliyah file with the Jewish Agency and then apply separately with Nefesh B’Nefesh for Aliyah services, the new streamlined process will provide a “one-stop shop” making it more time efficient and convenient for Olim.

Israel: Beit Ofer - 5 Nachum Hefzadi • Jerusalem, 95484 Israel • Tel: 02-659-5800
North America: 42 East 69th St • New York, NY 10021 • Tel: 1-866-4-ALIYAH
United Kingdom: JNF House: Spring Villa Park • Edgware, Middx HA8 7ED, UK • Tel: 0800-075-7200