Nefesh B'Nefesh Olim make Aliyah by car

Two young UK Olim received their Israeli ID Cards at Knesset ceremony, after eighteen-day JNF UK car rally from London to Jerusalem

(Jerusalem) Aly Singer, 28, from London and Yan Cohen, 26, from Manchester drove 2,500 miles over eighteen days, in a 1948 Silver Wraith Rolls Royce to their new homes in Israel. However, unlike the other 25 participants of the JNF UK London – Jerusalem Car Rally, the two will not be returning to the UK, but will remain in Israel as new citizens.

The two Olim have been sponsored by Nefesh B’Nefesh, an organization which helps North American and British Olim throughout the process of Aliyah (immigrating to Israel).

The Car Rally, which is a tribute to Israel as it celebrates its 60th anniversary, arrived Wednesday morning at its final destination - the Knesset- for a welcome ceremony where Aly and Yan received their Israeli ID Cards from Speaker of the Knesset MK Dalia Itzik in the presence of other dignitaries. Twenty five vintage and modern cars left London on May 18th and drove eighteen days through France, Switzerland, Italy and Greece.

“When I told my friends that I am making Aliyah in a 1948 Rolls Royce, they weren’t sure what was more crazy- that I get to drive such an extraordinary car or that I am moving to Israel” said Yaniv Cohen. “This has been an amazing experience but it is just the first step of the most important journey of my life – making Aliyah.”

“JNF UK has been a valued partner and supporter of Nefesh B’Nefesh since we began operating in the UK two years ago and we are incredibly proud to have been offered to be involved in this unique event” said Tony Gelbart, Co-Founder and Chairman of Nefesh B’Nefesh. “This rally is a true reflection of the creativity and passion of British Zionism, and we are thrilled to be facilitating the Aliyah of Aly and Yan, and making their absorption process easier.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Renana Levine, 212 203 0071 / [email protected]