OU and Nefesh B'Nefesh Announce Fund Drive to Assist Hundreds of American Families Planning Aliyah to Israel this Summer

With the goal of assisting hundreds of American families to make aliyah the Orthodox Union is calling on its member synagogues across the United States and Canada to conduct fund-raising campaigns in support of a Nefesh B'Nefesh, a foundation that in 2002, its first year of existence, sponsored the largest simultaneous relocation of new immigrants from North America in Israel's history.

The drive will culminate on May 7, Yom Ha'atzmaut, Israel's Independence Day, by which date all contributions are due.

Nefesh B'Nefesh (Jewish Souls United), founded to revitalize aliyah through financial support and other assistance, provides grants averaging $18,000 to families seeking to relocate.

The OU has always been highly supportive of aliyah, but now for the first
time it is aiming to provide financial assistance to those intending to do so. The organization is seeking full or partial $18,000 sponsorships from its synagogues, with Nefesh B' Nefesh agreeing to sponsor three or four families for each one subsidized by an OU affiliate.

This Yom Haatzmaut - give the greatest gift to Israel, The gift of Aliyah.

Introduction to Nefesh B'Nefesh

Over the last five decades, Israel has experienced waves of immigration from around the globe and has acted as a haven and homeland for Jews the world over. With millions of Jews living in North America, over the last twenty years, an average of only 1300 North American Jews have made Aliyah annually. While many believe that this low number reflects a waning passion for Zionism and lack of fundamental support for Israel, the truth is that there are indeed thousands of Jews yearning, dreaming, and willing to make Aliyah, but need assistance in making that dream a reality. Nefesh B'Nefesh was founded to facilitate the aliyah of these thousands and thus revitalize North American aliyah.

By revitalizing North American Aliyah, an unmistakable message is sent to the world that Israel is not just a haven for those fleeing religious oppression and economic distress, but rather that Israel is a primary choice for those who have professional stability and social comfort. Additionally, it emphasizes to our Israeli brethren, that even in these turbulent times, Israel has not been abandoned. A revitalized and steady wave of North American Aliyah will create a much needed and perpetual human bond between North America and Israel. Nefesh B’Nefesh was founded to achieve these objectives.

The Orthodox Union, the largest and most dynamic synagogue movement of its kind, the central address and national spokesman for nearly, 1,000 synagogues and communities throughout North America is proud to endorse Nefesh B'Nefesh and has joined forces with them to help bring thousands of Jews to Israel on Aliyah.

Nefesh B'Nefesh provides qualified Olim with the following:
• Financial grants
• Employment resources
• Guidance through government processes
• A support network in their new communities

THE NEED

Hundreds of North American families, from over 42 U.S. states and Canada, have requested that Nefesh B'Nefesh help facilitate their dream of Aliyah for Summer 2003. They wish to raise their families in Israel and contribute professionally to Israeli society.

It takes several years for a young family to save the necessary funds to relocate. By the time the requisite amount is saved, the children are at an age that makes a move socially and educationally difficult. To help them actualize their Aliyah dream today, Nefesh B'Nefesh, after professional review, awards grants averaging $18,000 per oleh family - based on needs and resources.

GUIDELINES FOR USAGE OF FUNDS
The legal contract that accompanies the advancement of funds states explicitly that “the funds should be used for the following purposes and no other: (i) moving expenses to Israel; (ii) living expenses in Israel; (iii) purchase of basic household furnishing in Israel; (iv) employment search expenses in Israel; (v) Hebrew language and vocation training after arrival in Israel.” The grant recipient must reside in Israel for 3 years, otherwise the grant becomes a loan that must be repayed to the foundation.

The grant funds are usually used for the following:
Families: Average Grant $18,000
$7,000 – 40 foot lift for shipping appliances and belongings.
$5,000 – 220v appliances – needed since most rentals come bare of appliances. (Used for refrigerator, washing machine, dryer, etc..)
$2,000 – Furniture for European sized smaller rooms.
$2,000 – Pilot trip – to ascertain job placement, and community selection
$5,000 – Coasting funds for rent, and living costs for five months until employment begins (or is secured) and Ulpan completed.

The Orthodox Union and Nefesh B'Nefesh ask communities across North America to undertake an Aliyah campaign to help sponsor as many families
as possible.

Campaign Overview

Funds collected by your synagogue or organization go entirely to the grant recipients.

The Nefesh B'Nefesh Oleh family sponsored by your Synagogue or organization can in turn act as an "Israeli Life Line" updating your community with their life's experiences in Israel.

Your synagogue's participation will be notably publicized, and your sponsored families will make Aliyah on an OU/NBN chartered flight.

CAMPAIGN SUGGESTIONS
• Dedicate a Shabbat for Aliyah - Drasha/Shiur on Yishuv Haaretz
• Melava Malka - NBN film followed by lecture
• Dedicate the proceedes from a community event
• Senior classes can organize fundraising events for Aliyah

Deadline for contributions:
May 7, 2003
Yom Ha'Atzmaut 5763

To register your synagogue, receive educational material or for additional information, please call:
1-866-4-ALIYAH (561) 955-1908 - NBN
(212) 613-8226 - OU

This Yom Ha'Atzmaut, give the greatest gift to Israel, the gift of Aliyah

NBN achievements to date:

May 2002 - $2 Million in grants were distributed to over 500 individuals assisting in the relocation costs of making Aliyah.

July 2002 - Nefesh B'Nefesh organized the first chartered flight of 400 North Americans making Aliyah at one time, a first in Israel's history. (An additional 150 North American Olim sponsored by Nefesh B'Nefesh arrived in Israel throughout summer 2002).

November 2002 - The Israeli Government passed into law a resolution granting all new Olim a Sal Klitah ("Financial Absorption Basket"). Until now, this package was reserved only for immigrants from the former Soviet Union, France and South Africa. Minister of Absorption Yuli Edelstein, who was instrumental in promoting this new resolution, attributed the impetus solely to Nefesh B'Nefesh

December 2002 - over 1000 English-speaking immigrants gathered in Jerusalem at a Yisrael B'Aliya gathering that celebrated Anglo immigrants and their contribution to Israeli society. At this event Nefesh B'Nefesh was awarded by Natan Sharansky "The Light Unto The Nation Prize for meritorious service in bringing our people home."

January 2003 - Within six months of arrival most of our olim have found suitable employment.

February 2003 - We are currently processing hundreds of applications for Aliyah -- a dramatic increase of interest in Aliyah than of previous years.

Letters of Endorsement

Moshe Katzav, President of the State of Israel
"I wish to thank you.... The issue of Aliyah from North America is one of Israel's challenges in the present decade. I support you in your endeavors and hope that they will encourage many to come on Aliyah to Israel."

Ariel Sharon, Prime Minister of Israel
"As a Jew and as an Israeli, I commend the efforts of Nefesh B'Nefesh to increase Aliyah from North America. It is through the realization of this dream of bringing the Jewish people back home to Zion that we can all unite to support the state of Israel."

Rabbi Israel Meir Lau, Chief Rabbi of Israel
"I am impressed and encouraged by your plans to assist Jewish families from North America to make Aliyah to Israel. We are once again witnessing the strength and unity of the Jewish people in their desire to help their brethren in Israel and around the world."

Benjamin Netanyahu, Foreign Minister of Israel
"Nefesh B'Nefesh represents making one of the dreams I fought for a reality: Bringing home to Zion our Jewish brethren from the Diaspora. I feel proud to support the efforts of Nefesh B'Nefesh to increase Aliyah from North America. I'll be happy to help in any capacity."

Shimon Peres, Former Prime Minister of Israel
"I fully support the efforts of Nefesh B'Nefesh. Your initiative to assist and promote Jewish Aliyah from North America has come as welcome news, especially in these difficult times. The unity of Jews around the world in their support of Israel and its well-being is a great source of strength for our country, and your commendable undertaking is a case in point. I look forward to seeing the fruits of your endeavors."

Natan Sharansky, Minister of Diaspora
"I am proud to support the efforts of Nefesh B'Nefesh to encourage Aliyah from North America. Congratulations on your initiative. May you succeed in your ambitious endeavors."

Sallai Meridor, Chairman of the Exec. of the Jewish Agency
"Your endeavor to stimulate Aliyah from North America in the manner that you have undertaken is nothing short of historic. The goal of Aliyah from the United States in large numbers is our common dream, as the contribution that North American Jews can make to Israeli society is immeasurable."

MK Ehud Olmert, Former Mayor of Jerusalem
"I wish you success in your endeavors and look forward to welcoming Jewish families from North America to Jerusalem as a result of your efforts"

If you would like to make an secure online donation to Nefesh B’Nefesh to help personally sponsor a North American Family’s Aliyah,
.

Nefesh B'Nefesh Website
Email - info@nefeshbnefesh.org

www.ou.org