Nefesh B’Nefesh, in cooperation with Israel’s Ministry of Aliyah and Integration, the Jewish Agency for Israel, Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael and Jewish National Fund-USA, in partnership with the Jerusalem Municipality’s aliyah team, hosted two events with participants celebrating their aliyah to Israel, and the start of the new Jewish year.
The “Jerusalem Welcomes Olim” event drew hundreds, including new and veteran olim. It included informative and entertaining panels in English, Russian, Spanish and French, featuring perspectives on the aliyah experience, personal stories from more veteran olim, comedic reflections on immigrant life and festive sing-alongs. The highlight of the evening was a performance by Voca People.
Deputy Mayor of Jerusalem Shmuel Marciano was also in attendance, offering his congratulations to the new Israelis and welcoming them to their new homes in Jerusalem.
The second annual Nefesh B’Nefesh Shuk Olim-Chag Edition, featured some 30 olim vendors selling artisanal crafts, High Holiday gifts and gourmet foods. The event attracted participants from across Jerusalem, who also had the opportunity to register to vote in the upcoming U.S. election with on-site assistance from the U.S. Embassy.
“The Jerusalem Municipality invests continuous efforts in order to provide its new immigrants with a sense of home, by working with Nefesh B’Nefesh to organize events, which connect them to the Jerusalem community,” said the city’s mayor, Moshe Lion. “These holiday initiatives are intended to empower and strengthen these newcomers while helping ease their integration into the city. The new residents received important information during the Jerusalem Welcomes Olim event, regarding the rights and benefits they are entitled to. And in tandem, Shuk Olim assisted entrepreneurs and business owners gain exposure, which will aid in their future employment integration in the city.”
According to Nefesh B’Nefesh, Jerusalem continues to be a top destination for olim, with almost 1,200 newcomers from North America making the city their home since last Rosh Hashanah, a 32% increase compared to the previous year. This influx has infused the city with diverse expertise in fields, such as medicine, law, technology and education, contributing to the city’s vibrant and growing community.
“As we enter the start of the Jewish new year it’s inspiring to see the hundreds of Jerusalem-based olim thriving in their new lives in Jerusalem and contributing to the city’s growth,” shared Tony Gelbart co-founder and chairman of Nefesh B’Nefesh. “We always look forward to celebrating both the diversity of talents our olim bring to Israel as well as the beautiful sense of community they are building together here.”
