Nefesh b'Nefesh to stress settling northern Israel Nefesh B'Nefesh is launching the Go North project to encourage Anglo olim (new immigrants) to settle in northern Israel.

The aliyah organization, which works in cooperation with Israeli government offices and the Jewish Agency for Israel, will bring over 1,000 newcomers to the north over the next few years.

The initiative will provide additional support to Nefesh B'Nefesh olim seeking quality of life and fulfillment of ideals in the northern region of Israel.

"Building on Nefesh B'Nefesh's 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 modem 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," Berrie said.

The Go North program aims to encourage olim who are drawn to northern Israel but are hesitant due to concerns that a less developed area will make life in Israel more costly and difficult.

The initiative will provide financial grants and other forms of assistance to those who "go north." The goal is to ease the transition into communities in the north by creating a seamless professional and social integration.

These benefits include: enhanced financial grants, employment assistance, creating suitable social infrastructures and transportation subsidies.

Nefesh B'Nefesh will also appoint dedicated employment professionals and regional coordinators.

"Nefesh B'Nefesh is honored to be partnering with the Russell Berrie Foundation on this essential program which will infuse a vibrancy and energy into the north — socially, demographically and economically," said Rabbi Yehoshua Fass, co-founder and executive director of Nefesh B'Nefesh.

"We are excited to be a part of the first concerted effort in Israel's history to bring Anglo olim to the north and thereby build a stronger Israel." Minister of the Development of the Negev and Galilee Yaakov Edery commented: "We see the absorption of new immigrants from Western countries in Israel's northern region as a top priority.

"The ministry will do all that is in its power to ensure these pioneer immigrants will integrate and acclimate in the best possible way.

"This is a vital endeavor, today more than ever". Minister of Immigrant Absorption. Eli Aflalo, said:

"My office will allocate major resources to ensuring the olim moving up north will have a successful absorption and will work toward developing tailored absorption programs that will meet the needs of Western olim."