Ambassador Daniel Ayalon resigns as Co- Chairman of Nefesh B’Nefesh

Organization lauds Ambassador for nearly two years of dedicated service

Nefesh B'Nefesh announced today the resignation of Ambassador Danny Ayalon as its Co-Chairman, effective December 31, 2008. After nearly two years of dedicated work to increasing Western Aliyah, Ambassador Ayalon has decided he will continue promoting Aliyah from the arena of public service.

In his role at Nefesh B’Nefesh, Ambassador Ayalon was instrumental in enhancing the Aliyah organization’s strategic partnerships with Israeli government bodies and agencies, as well as within the Jewish world.  During his tenure, the Israeli government made the unprecedented decision to support private Aliyah organizations in September 2007, and a historic cooperation agreement was reached with the Jewish Agency for Israel.

“Danny has been a true friend and an invaluable asset to Nefesh B’Nefesh,” said Tony Gelbart, Co-Founder and Chairman of Nefesh B’Nefesh. “While serving as Co-Chairman, the Ambassador was an enormous help in reaching exciting new heights, aiding Nefesh B’Nefesh in garnering support and increasing awareness of the importance of Aliyah amongst Israel and the Diaspora. He is leaving us on a high note following the successful agreement worked out with the Jewish Agency for Israel. We wish Ambassador Ayalon every success in his future endeavors.”    

Prior to joining Nefesh B’Nefesh in 2006, Ambassador Ayalon served as Israel’s top diplomat in the United States, a post in which he earned the full support of the American Jewish community and three successive Israeli administrations.

“It has been extremely rewarding to dedicate myself to bringing Jews to their homeland and helping them integrate into a wonderful and purposeful life here in Israel. I feel it is the ultimate means to building and securing the future of the State of Israel and the Jewish people. Nefesh B’Nefesh represents one of the most historic, extraordinary undertakings of our time,” commented Ambassador Ayalon. “It has been a personal privilege for me to have been a part of NBN and to offer my assistance in elevating the stature of Western Aliyah. However, it is now time for me to pursue an independent political career opportunity. I am confident that Nefesh B’Nefesh will continue to help build a stronger Israel through Aliyah, an ideal that will always remain close to my heart.”  

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