Nefesh B'Nefesh welcomes its 15,000th olah on first summer charter flight

Hundreds more 'Life Changing' inspirational stories
among 2,000 NBN summer 2008 Olim

(JERUSALEM) –Nefesh B'Nefesh's first chartered Aliyah flight arrived today Thursday, July 10th, hours after the arrival of a group Aliyah flight from the UK. The organization's 15,000th Olah (new immigrant) was amongst 300 North American and British Jews who made Aliyah with Nefesh B'Nefesh from the USA, Canada and the UK over the last 48 hours. Since being founded in 2002, Nefesh B’Nefesh has revitalized western Aliyah, by removing the financial, professional, social and logistical obstacles that prevent many people from actualizing their dreams to move to Israel.

Two thousand North American and British Jews are expected to move to Israel this summer, on thirteen Nefesh B'Nefesh charter and group Aliyah flights. In addition to five specially chartered Aliyah planes arriving July through September, there will be two group Aliyah flights from the USA, two from Canada and four from the UK.

"Although bringing our 15,000th Oleh is an exciting and significant milestone, we look towards the future with growing excitement as we anticipate facilitating the expansion of western Aliyah" commented NBN Co-Chairman and Former Israeli Ambassador to the USA Danny Ayalon. "We are honored to be taking such an active role in the revitalization of western Aliyah and to witness the revival of modern day Zionism which is helping strengthen the State of Israel."

Nefesh B'Nefesh's 15,000th newcomer is 24 year old Tracy Levy from Houston, Texas who works in journalism and is writing a book on graffiti in Israel. After arriving in Israel, Tracy, who is a competitive horseback rider, plans to complete a Masters degree and pursue her dream of being a photo journalist. "Coming from a strong Zionistic background, and being involved in Jewish organizations throughout college, I feel elated to finally be making Aliyah," she said. "Being able to pursue my career in Israel, as a citizen is a dream come true."

Family and friends around the world will be able to watch a live feed of the Olim landing in Israel and the following welcome ceremony on a dedicated online webcast. The broadcast can be viewed on Thursday, July 10th at 12:00am EST (7:10am Israel time) at www.nbn.org.il/2008arrival.

The summer 2008 flight schedule is:

Hundreds of families and friends of the new Olim as well as Israeli dignitaries and flag waving guests will greet each of the charter Aliyah flights at Nefesh B'Nefesh's arrival ceremonies at Ben Gurion airport, including Director General of the Ministry of Immigrant Absorption Erez Halfon; Chief Rabbi of Rechovot Rav Simcha Hakohen Kook; VP of Commercial & Industry Affairs for El Al Rami Levy; Former MK Geulah Cohen; Former Israeli Ambassador to the USA and Co-Chairman of Nefesh B'Nefesh Danny Ayalon; Co-Founder and Executive Director of Nefesh B'Nefesh Rabbi Yehoshua Fass; and Co-Founder and Chairman of Nefesh B’Nefesh Tony Gelbart.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Renana Levine, +972 54 244 9747 / [email protected]