At thee end of January, Nefesh B'Nefesh announced that Guma Aguiar, a philanthropist and founder of Houstonbased Leor Energy, had donated $8 million to support Nefesh B'Nefesh's work in bringing Jews from the West to live in Israel. The organization appointed Mr. Aguiar, a board member, to the position of Chairman of Finance.

"This substantial donation demonstrates how the remarkable commitment of Jews who choose to make Israel their home even in these challenging times, is echoed and fortified by the support of generous individuals like Guma," said Tony Gelbart, Nefesh B'Nefesh's co-founder and chairman.

"These vital fluids strengthen Israel's human resources and ensure its future. The gift has already played a major role in helping Nefesh B'Nefesh bring a record number of newcomers to Israel in 2008," he said.

A firm believer in "creating facts on the ground, Mr. Aguiar, who was named "Top Industry Executive of 2008" by Oil & Gas Investor magazine, views his commitment to Nefesh B'Nefesh as "a vital strategic investment in Israel."

"There is no greater priority for the Jewish people or Israel than strengthening aliyah from the US, Canada and the UK," said Mr. Aguiar. "Our goal of enabling 100,000 individuals to realize their aliyah dream seems more realistic with every passing day."

30,000 Jews
Thus far, 18,000 Western Jews have moved to Israel with assistance from Nefesh B'Nefesh. Another 12,000 Western Jews are already "in the pipeline." "My family is deeply moved to be a part of this incredible historic process," said Mr. Aguiar. Since it was founded six years ago, Nefesh B'Nefesh has created a new approach to aliyah and streamlined the entire process to assist Western Jews who choose to move to Israel. The Aguiar funds are being used to help meet the needs of thousands of recent newcomers. "Our tradition teaches us that when economic times are tough, giving to others for important causes is the most helpful thing to do. It is a profound honor for me to help fulfill what I consider a truly sacred task," said Mr. Aguiar.