Twenty-four years of new olim: Nefesh B'Nefesh welcomes its 100,000th immigrant to Israel
All three of the family's children are named after fallen IDF soldiers and victims of terrorism, reflecting the family's strong emotional connection to the Jewish people and the Land of Israel.
In 24 years, Nefesh B Nefesh, a Jewish organization aiding North American immigrants, welcomed its 100,000th immigrant to Israel. To celebrate this significant milestone, President Isaac Herzog hosted the Douglas family, whose six-year-old daughter Amelia will soon start first grade. The family, consisting of parents Jeffrey and Atara, and siblings Netanel, 10, and Hallie, 9, moved to Jerusalem from New York earlier this month.
At the event, President Herzog praised Nefesh B Nefesh's work, stating, "I am pleased to welcome the Douglas family to Israel, and especially six-year-old Amelia, who is the 100,000th immigrant to make aliyah to Israel through Nefesh B Nefesh." He highlighted the impact of the organization, which has facilitated the immigration of over 100,000 individuals who have chosen to build their lives in Israel, contributing to the nation's diverse and thriving society.
The Douglas family had been contemplating the move for years, inspired by a friend's wedding in Israel and a desire for their children to grow up there. Reflecting on their decision, Atara and Jeffrey Douglas emphasized, "We are leading, not leaving." They now see their move as fulfilling a dream and building a future for their children in Israel.
Aliyah and Integration Minister Ofir Sofer acknowledged the milestone, noting, "The 100,000th immigrant since the establishment of Nefesh B Nefesh is an exciting and significant milestone for aliyah and for the State of Israel." He expressed the organization's continued efforts to encourage aliyah and support new immigrants in their integration into Israeli society.
Founders Rabbi Yehoshua Fass and Tony Gelbart also reflected on the milestone, emphasizing that it represents the stories of countless families who have chosen Israel as their home. They shared how early immigrants have successfully integrated into various sectors, including healthcare, education, and the IDF. The organization has contributed an estimated NIS 15 billion to Israel's economy, and over 65% of its immigrants hold advanced academic degrees.
Written by urgent.news from Jerusalem Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — it may contain errors, so check the original before relying on it.
