American, Canadian and British Jews making aliyah to Israel are being wooed by Nefesh B'N'efesh to settle in Northern Israel.

"Go North." a SIO million program sponsored by Nefesh B'Nefesh with the support of the Russell Berrie Foundation of Teaneck. NJ and funding from Israeli philanthropists and the Government of Israel, hopes to bring over 1.000 Olim (new immigrants) to Northern Israel over the next few years.

The program aims to encourage anglo Olim who are drawn to Northern Israel but are worried that moving to a less developed area will be more costly and more difficult. Organizers say olim will receive significant financial grants and other forms of assistance including employment and transportation subsidies specifically geared to make the aliyah and absorption experience more successful.

Excited to be part of the first concerted effort in Israel's history to bring anglo olim to the North. Rabbi Yehoshua Fass. co-founder and executive director of Nefesh B'N'efesh predicted the program "will infuse a vibrancy and energy into the North."

Angelica Berrie, president of the Russell Berrie Foundation, said the Go North campaign hopes lo build on Nefesh B'Nefesh's ongoing success in bringing Western Jews lo Israel. "This initiative will generate momentum by creating a strong support system serving as a catalyst for expansion of the Jewish communities in the North flor years to come." she said.

Eli Aflalo, minister of Immigrant Absorption, said that in light of the worldwide economic crisis, increasing aliyah is even more important to Israel's economic and social growth, and especially for strengthening the Northern region and Israel's periphery