Our story
Our story
Nefesh B’Nefesh was founded in 2002.
Our mission is to facilitate and celebrate Aliyah, advocate for Olim,
and educate towards a stronger connection to Israel.
Nefesh B’Nefesh was founded in 2002.
Our mission is to facilitate and celebrate Aliyah, advocate for Olim, and educate towards a stronger connection to Israel.
The road so far…
The road so far…
2002
January
Nefesh B’Nefesh Founded
Nefesh B’Nefesh was founded by Tony Gelbart and Rabbi Yehoshua Fass, with the mission to revitalize North American Aliyah.
NBN celebrated the arrival of its first chartered Aliyah flight that summer.
2002
January
Nefesh B’Nefesh Founded
Nefesh B’Nefesh was founded by Tony Gelbart and Rabbi Yehoshua Fass, with the mission to revitalize North American Aliyah.
NBN celebrated the arrival of its first chartered Aliyah flight that summer.
2005
November
Cabinet Decision
An unprecedented Israeli Government cabinet decision supporting private Aliyah organizations was passed, instituting State funding for Nefesh B’Nefesh.
2005
November
Cabinet Decision
An unprecedented Israeli Government cabinet decision supporting private Aliyah organizations was passed, instituting State funding
for Nefesh B’Nefesh.
2006
August
Strategic Partnership
Nefesh B’Nefesh became an official partner of the Jewish Agency for Israel in processing Aliyah from North America.
2006
August
Strategic Partnership
Nefesh B’Nefesh became an official partner of the Jewish Agency for Israel in processing Aliyah from North America.
2008
January
Physician Fellowship
In cooperation with the Legacy Heritage Fund, The Physician Aliyah Fellowship was launched to help better integrate physicians into the Israeli medical system.
2008
January
Physician Fellowship
In cooperation with the Legacy Heritage Fund, The Physician Aliyah Fellowship was launched to help better integrate physicians into the Israeli medical system.
2008
March
Knesset Lobby
With the support of Nefesh B’Nefesh, a Knesset lobby was established to encourage Aliyah from Western countries.
2008
March
Knesset Lobby
With the support of Nefesh B’Nefesh, a Knesset lobby was established to encourage Aliyah from Western countries.
Since 2002, Nefesh B’Nefesh has facilitated…
2011
August
Lone Soldiers Program
Nefesh B’Nefesh and the Friends of the IDF partnered to help provide comprehensive support services to lone soldiers from North America and the United Kingdom, later expanding to include lone soldier Olim from around the world. Learn more about LSP >
2011
August
Lone Soldiers Program
Nefesh B’Nefesh and the Friends of the IDF partnered to help provide comprehensive support services to lone soldiers from North America and the United Kingdom, later expanding to include lone soldier Olim from around the world.
2014
May
Sylvan Adams Nefesh B’Nefesh
Bonei Zion Prize
The Sylvan Adams Nefesh B’Nefesh Bonei Zion Prize was established to formally recognize and celebrate the outstanding achievements of Olim from English-speaking countries and their contributions to the State of Israel.
2014
May
Sylvan Admas
Nefesh B’Nefesh
Bonei Zion Prize
The Sylvan Adams Nefesh B’Nefesh Bonei Zion Prize was established to formally recognize and celebrate the outstanding achievements of Olim from English-speaking countries and their contributions to the State of Israel.
2016
August
50,000th Oleh
Nefesh B’Nefesh welcomes its 50,000th Oleh to Israel.
2016
August
50,000th Oleh
Nefesh B’Nefesh welcomes its 50,000th Oleh to Israel.
2017
January
NBN-TLV HUB
The Nefesh B’Nefesh TLV Hub opened in the heart of Tel Aviv as a free co-working and programming space for Olim to enjoy.
2017
January
NBN-TLV HUB
The Nefesh B’Nefesh TLV Hub opened in the heart of Tel Aviv as a free co-working and programming space for Olim to enjoy.
2017
September
Initiative for Zionist Innovation
In partnership with the Steinmetz Herskovitz Family Fund, the Initiative for Zionist Innovation (IZI) was created to support projects run by Olim who are committed to strengthening and improving their communities throughout Israel.
2017
September
Initiative for Zionist Innovation
In partnership with the Steinmetz Herskovitz Family Fund, the Initiative for Zionist Innovation (IZI) was created to support projects run by Olim who are committed to strengthening and improving their communities throughout Israel.
2017
November
NBN-KKL “Go Beyond” Initiative
Nefesh B’Nefesh and Keren Keyemeth LeIsrael launched its Go Beyond joint initiative to encourage new and veteran Olim to move to the North and South of Israel as well as Jerusalem.
2017
November
NBN-KKL “Go Beyond” Initiative
Nefesh B’Nefesh and Keren Keyemeth LeIsrael launched its Go Beyond joint initiative to encourage new and veteran Olim to move to the North and South of Israel as well as Jerusalem.
2019
May
ORI: For Lone Bnot Sherut
Ori was created to ensure that Lone Bnot Sherut have a successful and meaningful National Service.
2019
May
ORI: For Lone Bnot Sherut
Ori was created to ensure that Lone Bnot Sherut have a successful and meaningful National Service.
2021
August
Zionist Education Initiative
The Zionist Educational Initiative (ZEI) was developed to strengthen the connection with Olim and Diaspora Jews by fostering an in-depth dialogue about Zionism and its meaning in the modern world.
2021
November
NBN Jerusalem Campus Opens
In the heart of Jerusalem, the Nefesh B’Nefesh Aliyah Campus was built as a permanent home for the daily operations of the organization as well as a center for strengthening Aliyah and integration, housing cultural and educational programming and providing services for thousands of Olim in Jerusalem and across Israel.
2021
November
NBN Jerusalem Campus Opens
In the heart of Jerusalem, the Nefesh B’Nefesh Aliyah Campus was built as a permanent home for the daily operations of the organization as well as a center for strengthening Aliyah and integration, housing cultural and educational programming and providing services for thousands of Olim in Jerusalem and across Israel.
2022
January
NBN Upgrade
UpGrade was created to offer courses and short-term programs to help Olim break into the high-tech industry.
2022
January
NBN Upgrade
UpGrade was created to offer courses and short-term programs to help Olim break into the high-tech industry.
2022
August
75,000th Oleh
Nefesh B’Nefesh welcomes its 75,000th Oleh to Israel.
2022
August
75,000th Oleh
Nefesh B’Nefesh welcomes its 75,000th Oleh to Israel.
