Nefesh B'Nefesh officially launched its Summer 2026 aliyah season this week with two major events in New Jersey and Toronto, drawing hundreds of North American Jews who are preparing to move to Israel. The New Jersey gathering had a community feel, with barbecue, children’s activities, information booths and one-on-one guidance, while more than 450 people attended there and over 200 more came to the Toronto event.
The events brought together singles, couples and families already packing, finishing paperwork, looking for jobs or checking schools. According to Nefesh B'Nefesh, about 2,300 new immigrants from North America are expected to arrive in Israel between June and September 2026, including roughly 500 families on 47 group flights from different U.S. departure points. The organization said it will work with the Aliyah and Integration Ministry and the Jewish Agency to support the newcomers from preparation through their arrival.
Among those planning to make aliyah is Avi Lichtschein, 39, a Manhattan father of three who expects to move with his wife Katy and their children in about two months. He said life in the United States for Jews has changed since October 7, describing torn-down hostage posters, anti-Israel slogans and heavier security at New York’s pro-Israel parade. “The threat is inside in America,” he said, while adding that in Israel “the threat is from outside.” He said he wants his children to grow up Israeli from the start.
Shulamit Miriam Rotenshtraich, 47, of New Jersey, plans to move in August with her husband and their 17-year-old son, while one daughter already serves as a lone soldier in Jerusalem and another is expected to follow. She said a return to Israel had been calling her for years, but October 7 changed how she viewed life in America, where, she said, “we no longer know who the enemies are.” She also said she felt safer in Israel even during the war with Iran. Another family, Ouri and Dina Westerreich, plan to move to Jerusalem in August with their three young children. Dina, a pediatrician, has completed the process of transferring her medical license, and Ouri, a filmmaker, hopes to work in Israel too. They said they want their children to grow up feeling they belong.
Since 2002, Nefesh B'Nefesh says it has brought about 95,000 immigrants from North America to Israel, with roughly 90% remaining in the country. The group said new arrivals settle in cities including Jerusalem, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Beit Shemesh, Ra'anana, Modi'in-Maccabim-Re'ut and Haifa, while some choose the Negev and Galilee through its joint “Jump to Aliyah” program with KKL. Nefesh B'Nefesh cofounder and CEO Rabbi Yehoshua Fass said this summer’s aliyah season is “a significant moment” for both the immigrants and Israel.
