Israeli President Hosts 100,000th North American Immigrant Family Assisted by Nefesh B'Nefesh

Amelia Douglas, a six-year-old girl who immigrated this month with her family from New York to Jerusalem, is the 100,000th immigrant to receive assistance from the organization Nefesh B'Nefesh. To mark this milestone, Israeli President Isaac Herzog hosted the Douglas family at the President's Residence. The event also included Immigration and Absorption Minister Ofir Sofer and Nefesh B'Nefesh founders Rabbi Yehoshua Fass and Tony Gelbart.

Established 24 years ago, Nefesh B'Nefesh has facilitated the immigration of 100,000 Jews from North America to Israel. The Douglas family planned their move for years and decided to make aliyah after a visit to Israel last summer. Their three children are named after fallen IDF soldiers and terror victims, reflecting the family's deep connection to Israel. Parents Jeffrey and Atara Douglas said they view their move as fulfilling a dream rather than leaving their previous life.

Minister Sofer called the 100,000th immigrant a significant milestone for both aliyah and the State of Israel, emphasizing the strengthening of ties between the Jewish diaspora and Israel. The founders of Nefesh B'Nefesh highlighted that this number represents tens of thousands of families who have integrated into Israeli society, with many serving in the IDF and contributing to healthcare, education, industry, and the economy.

Since its inception in 2002, Nefesh B'Nefesh has worked with the Ministry of Immigration and Absorption, the Jewish Agency, KKL, and JNF-USA to assist immigrants. Over 65% of these immigrants arrived with advanced academic degrees, about 6,000 joined the healthcare sector, and approximately 14,000 settled in the Negev and Galilee regions through the "Aliyah Leap" program. More than 22,000 lone soldiers received support through a joint program with the Friends of the IDF. The immigrants have arrived on dedicated flights and settled across dozens of municipalities, with a retention rate of about 90%. The immigration from North America has contributed an estimated 15 billion shekels to the Israeli economy.