JERUSALEM (JTA)-Danny Ayalon resigned as co-chairman ofthe Nefesh B'Nefesh aliyah organization. Nefesh B'Nefesh announced the resignation ofthe former Israeli ambassador to the United States. Mr. Ayalon, who served in the position for nearly two years, says he is leaving to pursue "an independent political career opportunity." Mr. Ayalon was instrumental in enhancing the aliyah organization's strategic partnerships with Israeli government bodies and agencies, as well as within the Jewish world. During his tenure the Israeli government made the unprecedented decision to support private aliyah organizations in September 2007, and a historic cooperation agreement was reached with the Jewish Agency for Israel.