Nefesh B’Nefesh on Saturday held its largest-ever Israel Fair in Jerusalem, with 600 gap-year participants who came to learn about pathways to immigration to the Jewish state and long-term life in Israel.
The program, named “Here Next Year,” featured 32 booths representing organizations and institutions focused on immigration, Israeli universities, military and national service and additional resources for young adults considering remaining in Israel after their gap year, according to Nefesh B’Nefesh.
Four informational sessions on immigration were led by the organization’s staff, providing attendees with practical guidance on the immigration process and the support services available to new immigrants.
“The energy at the Israel Fair was truly incredible. It was inspiring to see hundreds of students engage in thoughtful conversations about their future in Israel,” said Mia Hodges, director of Here Next Year.
“Hearing them leave the event feeling supported in these decisions is exactly what Here Next Year is all about,” she added.
According to Nefesh B’Nefesh, participants engaged directly with representatives to learn about academic, professional and communal opportunities available across the country.
The strong turnout, the nonprofit continued, underscored the increasing demand for accessible information and support for gap year students considering immigration to Israel.
Nefesh B’Nefesh hosted the event in cooperation with the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration, the Jewish Agency for Israel, Jewish National Fund (JNF), and JNF-USA.
Nefesh B’Nefesh is a nonprofit organization dedicated to encouraging and facilitating Jews from the United States and Canada to immigrate to Israel, and partners with the Israeli Ministry of Aliyah and Integration, as well as international Jewish organizations. It moreover advocates for national service, national development and Zionist education.
