GUMA AGUIAR, an American philanthropist and founder of Leor Energy, donated $8 million to Nefesh B'Nefesh in 2008. The aliya agency appointed Aguiar, a board member since June, to the position of chairman of finance.

"There is no greater priority for the Jewish people or Israel than strengthening immigration from the U.S., Canada, and the [United Kingdom]," said Aguiar, who was named Top Industry Executive of 2008 by Oil 8< Gas Investor magazine. "Our goal of enabling 100,000 individuals to realize their aliya dream seems more realistic with every passing day, in light of the 18,000 who have moved to Israel with Nefesh B'Nefesh's assistance thus far, and another 12,000 already'in the pipeline.' My family is deeply moved to be a part of this incredible historic process."

Nefesh B'Nefesh, founded in 2002, has streamlined the aliya process for Western Jews who choose to move to Israel. The agency works in cooperation with the Israeli government and the Jewish Agency for Israel.