“I’ve grown in ways I never expected.”
That’s how Natalie Grossman describes the five years since she made Aliyah from Baltimore, Maryland. Now a student at Tel Aviv University, Natalie reflects on her journey with humility, clarity, and a deep sense of belonging.
“Living in Israel, especially post-October 7th, has been emotional and intense, but also full of resilience and generosity,” she says. “Strangers show up for each other without hesitation. And somehow, even in hard times, people find ways to smile. This country has challenged me, inspired me, and shaped me. But above all, it’s the people who have made it home. The sense of community here is unlike anything else.”
For Natalie—and for so many others—Aliyah is a commitment to build a life in a place where Jewish identity shapes the culture, and where even strangers feel like family.
Helping make that transition not only possible, but sustainable, is Nefesh B’Nefesh (NBN), the organization that has, for nearly a quarter-century, has been providing support before, during and long after the date of Aliyah.
Founded 24 years ago by Tony Gelbart and Rabbi Yehoshua Fass, NBN set out to eliminate the bureaucratic and emotional hurdles of Aliyah and to support North American Jews as they built new lives in Israel. Since then, it has helped more than 90,000 Olim integrate, thrive, and actively contribute to Israeli society, responding not only to individual dreams but also to the country’s evolving national needs. The remarkable 90% retention rate speaks for itself.
“We’re not just helping people get here,” says Marc Rosenberg, Vice President of Diaspora Partnerships. “We’re helping them succeed. It’s about coming with honest expectations and discovering how meaningful life in Israel can be.”
Supporting Aliyah from Every Angle
Over the decades, NBN’s mission has evolved in response to the changing needs of Israeli society and its growing community of Olim. The organization’s activities have naturally expanded into four transformational pillars: the core mission of Aliyah and integration, support for Lone Soldiers and national service volunteers, initiatives that promote workforce development and regional growth, and educational programs that deepen global Jewish connection to Zionism. Together, these pillars address vital national priorities while reinforcing the long-term success of those who choose to call Israel home.
The changes emerged organically, as needs surfaced. When increasing numbers of Olim began serving in uniform, NBN launched its National Service initiative. What began as ad hoc support evolved into a robust system in collaboration with existing mechanisms, offering emotional support and practical guidance for Lone Soldiers and Lone Bnot Sherut from around the world.
Recently, NBN unveiled the Bnot Sherut Residence, a state-of-the-art housing complex in Jerusalem that is set to open in August. This pioneering residence offers beautifully furnished apartments, onsite staff, a gym, lounge, and amenities—ensuring a true home away from home for over 100 serving volunteer women.
The National Development pillar reflects NBN’s growing role as a life-changing catalyst for professional integration and national workforce enrichment. Its signature initiative, MedEx, was launched in direct response to Israel’s pressing shortage of physicians, helping North American doctors fast-track their Israeli licensure through intensive lobbying of the Health Ministry and strategic coordination with key decision-makers.
What began as a targeted effort has since evolved into the International Medical Aliyah Program (IMAP), in partnership with Israel’s Ministries of Aliyah and Integration; Health; Negev, Galilee, and National Resilience, as well as The Jewish Agency for Israel, and bolstered by key partners including the Marcus Foundation, the Gottesman Fund, Jewish Federations of North America, the Azrieli Foundation and Arison Foundation. IMAP now serves medical professionals from around the world and channels their expertise into Israel’s healthcare system—where it’s needed most.
Dr. Tiffany Schatz, a physician from Pennsylvania, is one of the many beneficiaries of this program. After attending MedEx conferences in New Jersey in 2023 and 2024, she was intrigued by the opportunity to bring her medical practice to Israel. The trauma of October 7 transformed a long-held aspiration into a personal imperative, and she and her husband, Yaakov, made Aliyah just weeks later.
“There are so many Jews who dream of Aliyah, but fear and the unknown hold them back,” Tiffany said. “If that’s really what they want, nothing should stop them—not timing, not jobs, not kids. Sometimes you just have to take the leap to make the dream come true. We jumped—and thank God—we landed exactly where we were meant to.”
NBN’s National Development efforts also include programs that encourage Olim to settle in Israel’s peripheral regions—the Negev and Galilee—by offering extra support, professional integration, and community resources. These efforts help bolster Israel’s geographic growth while offering Olim meaningful places to live and thrive.
The newest pillar is the Zionist Education Initiative (ZEI). This program hosts thousands of gap-year students, school groups, and visiting missions at NBN’s centers in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. Through storytelling, seminars, and field experiences, ZEI fosters personal connection, Jewish identity, and awareness of Olim’s ongoing contributions.
“It’s not about urging people to make Aliyah,” says Rosenberg. “We’re telling the story of Israel through the people who choose to live it. That understanding deepens everyone’s connection—whether they decide to make Aliyah or not.”
