450 NEW IDF SOLDIERS TO ARRIVE THIS SUMMER AS NEFESH B’NEFESH & FRIENDS OF THE IDF (FIDF) LAUNCH PARTNERSHIP

Record number of 85 new IDF soldiers to make Aliyah in one day greeted by Israeli President Shimon Peres

(JERUSALEM; 3 August 2010) – President of Israel Shimon Peres greeted 234 new Israeli citizens at a ceremony welcoming this summer’s second chartered Aliyah flight organized by Nefesh B’Nefesh and the Jewish Agency. On board the flight, which was sponsored by the Friends of the IDF (FIDF), were 85 soldiers, the highest amount of soldiers ever to arrive on a chartered Aliyah flight from North America. The soon-to-be-drafted soldiers are among 450 Olim soldier expected to arrive this summer, many of whom are members of the Garin Tzabar program.

Nefesh B'Nefesh and the Friends of the IDF have partnered together to help newly arrived soldiers with their transition into their new lives in Israel and national service. As a result of this partnership, these soldiers will receive additional assistance, including financial grants, social support, quarterly care packages and post-army integrative services, including educational guidance, career counseling and job placement.

"The amazing efforts of tens of thousands friends of the IDF in the USA has contributed greatly to the strength of the State of Israel, helping support the soldiers of Israel who defend the Jewish homeland,” said National Director of FIDF Major General (Res.) Yitzhak (Jerry) Gershon. “This collaboration with Nefesh B’Nefesh is only natural, as 85 of the Olim arriving on this flight are young men and women joining the IDF, and intertwining their fate with that of our country. For Friends of the IDF (FIDF), supporting these youth who choose to settle in Israel and serve in the IDF, is a crucial investment towards the security of the state of Israel and the entire Jewish nation."

Today’s newcomers are among 3,000 North American and British Olim heading to Israel this summer, many of whom will be arriving on the three charter and eight group Aliyah flights organized by Nefesh B’Nefesh and the Jewish Agency. By the end of summer 2010, the organizations will have brought a total of 44 charter and 56 group Aliyah flights.

“It is heartwarming to see the passion and dedication displayed by these brave young men and women who choose to serve in the IDF immediately upon making Aliyah” said Co-Founder and Executive Director of Nefesh B’Nefesh Rabbi Yehoshua Fass. “We are grateful to the FIDF for their generous support in helping us provide specialized guidance and assistance to these young immigrants joining Israel’s Defense Forces.”

Hundreds of families and friends as well as Israeli dignitaries gathered at Ben Gurion Airport to welcome the country’s newest citizens at the arrival ceremony which included a special performance by performer Rami Kleinstein. Those present included: Israeli President Shimon Peres; National Director of FIDF Major General (Res.) Yitzhak (Jerry) Gershon; Director of Immigration and Absorption at the Jewish Agency, Eli Cohen; President of Friends of Israel Scouts Inc. Tzofim, Daniel J. Katz; Vice Chairman of Nefesh B’Nefesh, Erez Halfon and Co-Founders of Nefesh B’Nefesh Rabbi Yehoshua Fass and Tony Gelbart.

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

About FIDF:
Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that initiates and helps support social, educational, cultural and recreational programs and facilities for the young men and women soldiers of Israel who defend the Jewish homeland. FIDF also provides support for the families of fallen soldiers. For More information:  www.fidf.org

About Nefesh B’Nefesh:
Founded in 2002, Nefesh B’Nefesh in cooperation with the Israeli government and the Jewish Agency for Israel, is dedicated to revitalizing Aliyah from North America and the UK by removing or minimizing the financial, professional, logistical and social obstacles of Aliyah. The support and comprehensive social services provided by Nefesh B'Nefesh to its 25,000 newcomers, has ensured that 98% of its Olim have remained in Israel. www.nbn.org.il