While the northern part of Israel is perhaps the most aesthetically beautiful part of the country, the region has long been neglected by policy makers. We have often heard about the need to develop the Negev in the southern part of Israel, but we never hear about government plans to make the north a more viable place to live, and encourage relocation to some of those cities.

Why? Because governments aren’t the best at planning and that’s an understatement. Leave it to the private sector and it’s amazing how things get done. Yesterday, news that the Aliyah organization Nefesh B’Nefesh along with the support of the Russell Berrie Foundation of Teaneck, NJ, is launching the ‘Go North’ project, to encourage Anglo Olim (new immigrants) to settle in Northern Israel, is a huge step in the right direction.

“Building on Nefesh B’Nefesh’s ongoing success in bringing Western Jews on Aliyah, this initiative will generate momentum by creating a strong support system serving as a catalyst for expansion of the Jewish communities in the North for years to come,” said Angelica Berrie, President of the Russell Berrie Foundation. “Go North will enable modern day pioneers to fulfill their dreams by moving to a region of Israel that is less Westernized and needs the skills, talents and energy they will bring. We see strengthening the North as a vital strategic priority,” she continued.

This is truly amazing. I can’t tell you how many people I know say that they would love to move to the North but can’t because they can’t find a job, or some of the social services they need are lacking. Aside from building up the North, this project will help disperse the concentrated Israeli population away from the center of the country. This in itself has all kinds of benefits, from better air pollution, less traffic, and just flat out giving people more space.

Kudos to Nefesh B’Nefesh on launching this important project.