Bright Israeli horizons: ‘Everywhere we turn, there are old friends and new ones’

Nefesh B’Nefesh is celebrating its 25th anniversary and the milestone of bringing 100,000 olim to Israel. The organization facilitates aliyah for North Americans and medical professionals, assisting with everything from initial inquiries to finding communities and jobs. August saw a record 1,100 North Americans make aliyah, with over 4,000 expected for 2026. Globally, 10,107 people made aliyah from January to July this year, primarily from Russia, France, and the U.S. Marc Rosenberg, Nefesh B’Nefesh Vice President for Diaspora Partnerships, notes that olim are primarily driven by values and a desire for a more meaningful life, with only 9% citing antisemitism as a significant factor. The average age of olim has dropped to 29, though many families and retirees are also making the move. New immigrants are reportedly better prepared due to available resources. Twenty-five olim shared their experiences, highlighting aspects such as military service, career opportunities, community support, the ease of living a Jewish life, and a deep sense of belonging. As Danielle Adessky, an oleh from Toronto, stated, “Everywhere we turn, there are old friends and new ones.”