Brings Leading Aliyah Movement Wealth of Experience in Israel - Diaspora
          Jewish Relations for 'Next Phase' of Organization's Work

    JERUSALEM, Israel, January 9 /PRNewswire/ -- Within days of bringing
its 10,000th newcomer to Israel, Nefesh B'Nefesh today announced the
appointment of outgoing Israel Ambassador to the United States, Daniel
Ayalon, as Co-Chairman.
    The move follows Ambassador Ayalon's historic role in Washington, D.C.,
as Israel's chief representative, a post in which he earned the full
support of the American Jewish community and the three successive Israeli
administrations under which he served. Ambassador Ayalon will help lead
Nefesh B'Nefesh in increasing Aliyah* from Western countries, as the
organization continues to demonstrate its ability to successfully integrate
and support thousands more newcomers to Israel.
    In the five years since it was founded, Nefesh B'Nefesh has revitalized
the concept of immigration to Israel (Aliyah) by focusing on 'Aliyah of
Choice.' Its comprehensive support network accompanies each and every new
immigrant through every aspect of their move to Israel, including:
employment, social services, bureaucratic and financial assistance,
enabling the organization to achieve its remarkable retention rate of 99%
to date. The Nefesh B'Nefesh approach is widely credited with enabling
thousands of North American Jews to move to Israel.
    "Aliyah is the ultimate means to securing the future of the State of
Israel and the Jewish people," commented Ambassador Ayalon in his new
position as Co-Chairman of Nefesh B'Nefesh. "Having had the distinct honor
of serving the State of Israel in Washington for the past four and half
years and become intimately familiar with the American Jewish community, I
am convinced of the need to further expand Western Aliyah over the coming
decade."
    Ambassador Ayalon continued, "I have seen the evolvement of Nefesh
B'Nefesh across North America and I have been very impressed with their
clarity of vision and proven model to facilitate Western Aliyah. I can
think of no better way to actively serve my country, at this point in my
career, than to enable the return of thousands to Israel."
    Nefesh B'Nefesh's newcomers reflect the rich cultural and religious
diversity of the Jewish world. Singles, young families and retirees from a
broad range of professions and communities are all embraced within the
foundation's framework. Nefesh B'Nefesh has fostered partnerships and
received direct support from the Office of the Israeli Prime Minister as
well as the Jewish Agency for Israel.
    "We are privileged and deeply honored that Ambassador Ayalon has
decided to continue his efforts on behalf of the Jewish people through
Nefesh B'Nefesh," stated NBN Co-Founder and Chairman, Tony Gelbart. "I am
confident that his diplomatic stature, worldly expertise and passionate
Zionism will significantly enhance our strategic partnerships throughout
government bodies and agencies, as well as within the Jewish World."
    "This development is a truly historic milestone for Nefesh B'Nefesh and
global Aliyah," said Rabbi Yehoshua Fass, NBN Co-Founder and Executive
Director. "Ambassador Ayalon has been an inspiration to us over the years
as an extraordinary representative of the people of Israel. His deep
commitment to the State of Israel coupled with his enthusiasm and drive
will enable Nefesh B'Nefesh to assist thousands upon thousands more Jews to
fulfill their dream of living in Israel."
    About Nefesh B'Nefesh
    Founded in 2001, Nefesh B'Nefesh is an organization dedicated to
revitalizing Western Aliyah by removing or minimizing the financial,
professional, logistical and social obstacles of Aliyah and providing
extensive post Aliyah support services. Nefesh B'Nefesh works in close
cooperation with the Government of Israel, Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI),
UJC Federations, JNF USA, JNF UK and the Zionist Federation of Great
Britain (ZF). For more information, please visit http://www.nbn.org.il/.
    *Aliyah: literally "ascending" in Hebrew, refers to Jews moving to Israel.
    FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

    Yael Katsman, Director of Communications, Nefesh B'Nefesh:
    [email protected]
    In Israel: Tel. +972-(054)-450-5581
    In North America: Tel. +1-(212)-203-0096
    In the UK: Tel. (0800)-075-1084