Making Aliyah is a deeply personal and transformative decision, a journey back to the Jewish homeland. At Israel Property Hub, while we focus on helping you find your physical roots in Israel, we know that the transition involves far more than just real estate. This is where the invaluable work of Nefesh B’Nefesh (NBN) truly shines, offering comprehensive support that helps thousands of Olim navigate every aspect of building a new life in Israel.
Since its founding in 2002, Nefesh B’Nefesh has been instrumental in revitalizing Aliyah from North America. Their mission is to remove or minimize the financial, professional, logistical, and social obstacles that potential Olim face, ensuring a smoother and more successful integration into Israeli society.
Beyond the Move: How NBN Supports Your Aliyah Journey
NBN’s support extends far beyond the initial flight, encompassing a wide array of services designed to empower new immigrants at every stage of their Aliyah journey:
- Pre-Aliyah Guidance and Planning:
- Personalized Aliyah Advisors: NBN assigns dedicated advisors who guide prospective Olim through the entire application process, answering questions, clarifying requirements, and providing a step-by-step roadmap to Aliyah.
- Information Seminars & Webinars: They host numerous events, both online and in person, covering critical topics such as Aliyah rights and benefits, healthcare, education, finances, and navigating Israeli bureaucracy.
- Document Preparation: NBN assists with the complex paperwork required for Aliyah, helping Olim gather and submit necessary civil certificates, proof of Judaism, and other vital documents.
- Arrival and Initial Absorption:
- Aliyah Flights: NBN organizes special chartered and group Aliyah flights, creating a celebratory atmosphere and offering in-flight processing to expedite immigration procedures upon arrival at Ben Gurion Airport.
- First Steps in Israel: Upon landing, NBN staff are often on hand to facilitate initial procedures, helping Olim obtain their temporary Israeli ID (Teudat Zehut) and connecting them with essential services.
- Bureaucratic Navigation: They provide ongoing support for navigating Israeli government offices (like Misrad Haklita, Misrad HaPnim, Bituach Leumi), offering advice and resources for everything from opening bank accounts to registering for healthcare.
- Professional and Social Integration:
- Employment Guidance: NBN offers extensive resources for career development in Israel, including an online job board, workshops on resume writing and interview skills in the Israeli context, and specialized programs like “Upgrade” which helps Olim retrain for in-demand fields like hi-tech, marketing, and finance.
- Medical Professionals Program (IMAP): Recognizing critical needs, NBN has a dedicated program to streamline the Aliyah process for physicians and other medical professionals, assisting with license transfers and connecting them with job opportunities.
- Community Building & Events: NBN fosters a sense of community through ongoing social events, workshops, and gatherings across Israel, helping Olim connect with each other and integrate into their new neighborhoods.
- Specific Populations and Ongoing Advocacy:
- Lone Soldiers Program: NBN provides comprehensive support to Lone Soldiers (those serving in the IDF without immediate family in Israel), offering financial aid, social programming, and advocacy. They also support parents of Lone Soldiers.
- Ori Program for Lone Bnot Sherut: Similar support is extended to young women choosing to serve in Israel’s National Service.
- Advocacy for Olim: NBN actively works with the Israeli government and other institutions to advocate for the rights and needs of new immigrants, helping to shape policies that benefit the Oleh community.
- Zionist Education Initiative: NBN engages the next generation through educational programs that foster a deeper connection to Zionism and Israel.