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Nefesh B'Nefesh and Russell Berrie Foundation Launch $10 Million 'Go North' Aliyah* Project

http://www.gonorth.org.il

The initiative will provide additional support to Nefesh B'Nefesh Olim seeking quality of life and fulfillment of ideals in the Northern region of Israel. The unparalleled project was made possible through a generous gift and partnership with the Russell Berrie Foundation together with funding from Israeli philanthropists and from the Government ofIsrael. The Foundation funds innovative projects including pluralistic Jewish education inIsrael - such as the Be'eri secular high school program of the Shalom Hartman Institute and the Russell Berrie Nanotechnology Institute at the Technion.

"Building on Nefesh B'Nefesh's ongoing success in bringing Western Jews on Aliyah, this initiative will generate momentum by creating a strong support system serving as a catalyst for expansion of the Jewish communities in the North for years to come," said Angelica Berrie, President of the Russell Berrie Foundation. "Go North will enable modern day pioneers to fulfill their dreams by moving to a region ofIsrael that is less Westernized and needs the skills, talents and energy they will bring. We see strengthening the North as a vital strategic priority," she continued.

The 'Go North' program aims to encourage Olim who are drawn toNorthern Israel but are held back because of concerns that moving to a less developed area will be more costly and more difficult. The program will address these issues by providing significant financial grants and other forms of assistance specifically geared to make the Aliyah and absorption experience more successful. It is designed to ease the transition into communities in the North by creating the conditions for seamless professional and social integration. The benefits will include: enhanced financial grants, employment assistance, creating suitable social infrastructures and transportation subsidies. Nefesh B'Nefesh will also appoint dedicated employment professionals and regional coordinators who will assist Olim with their employment and social needs.

"Nefesh B'Nefesh is honored to be partnering with the Russell Berrie Foundation on this essential program which will infuse a vibrancy and energy into the North - socially, demographically and economically," said Rabbi Yehoshua Fass, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Nefesh B'Nefesh. He added "We are excited to be a part of the first concerted effort inIsrael's history to bring Anglo Olim to the North and thereby build a strongerIsrael."

Minister of the Development of the Negev and Galilee, Yaakov Edery commented on the importance of this strategic project: "The Ministry for the Development of the Negev and the Galilee sees the absorption of Olim from Western countries inIsrael's Northern region as a top priority in order to strengthen the existing population and bring an added vibrancy to the this beautiful area. The Ministry will do all that is in its power to ensure these pioneer Olim will integrate and acclimate in the best possible way. We allocated extensive resources to make sure they have a high quality of life, good education and can easily find jobs. This is a vital endeavor, today more than ever".

Minister of Immigrant Absorption, Eli Aflalo, praised the program and said that in light of the worldwide economic crisis, increasing Aliyah is even more important toIsrael's economic and social growth, and especially for strengthening the Northern region andIsrael's periphery. "My office will allocate major resources to ensuring the Olim moving up north will have a successful absorption and will work towards developing tailored absorption programs that will meet the needs of Western Olim."

*Aliyah: literally "ascending" in Hebrew, refers to Jews returning to their ancient homeland inIsrael

Founded in 2002, Nefesh B'Nefesh in cooperation with the Israeli government and the Jewish Agency forIsrael, is dedicated to revitalizing Aliyah fromNorth America and the UK by removing or minimizing the financial, professional, logistical and social obstacles of Aliyah. Through the support and comprehensive social services provided to its 18,000 newcomers, Nefesh B'Nefesh has ensured that 98% of its Olim have remained inIsrael, and 94% of the families have one or both spouses employed.

    http://www.nbn.org.il.

    For more information please contact:

    Renana Levine
    renana@nbn.org.il

    Israel: +972(0)54-244-9747
    USA:    +1-212-203-0071
    UK:     +44(0)800-075-3353

SOURCE Nefesh B`Nefesh