N. American Jews Make Aliyah
By Chris Mitchell
CBN News - Jerusalem Bureau
January 21, 2008
CBNNews.com - For decades, Jews from all over the world have moved to Israel, but relatively few came from North America.
But that trend is changing dramatically.
Recently, hundreds of Israeli soldiers, family and friends gave an emotional welcome to more than 200 immigrants. They came by plane from the United States and Canada.
The year 2007 marked the highest number of Jewish immigrants from North America in 25 years and an 80 percent increase in the past five years. These immigrants came with a deep longing for Israel.
"No other place I'd rather be. I came here about five years ago, fell in love with the place and I knew that I wanted to get back here as soon as I could. So when we got married, we decided that we were going to move here," new Israeli resident Eliazer Roznik said.
"I think there's a lot of different reasons why I've made aliyah," said Jason, another new Israeli resident. "I think there's Zionist feelings there, there's religious feelings there, and just the quality of life here. For all those reasons."
The dramatic increase in Jews coming from North America is due in large part to the efforts of an organization called Nefesh B'Nefesh, which means "soul to soul." Danny Ayalon, the former Israeli Ambassador to the U.S., serves as its chairman.
"It really, really is the epitome of the Zionist dreams that is bringing Jews from all over the world to their homeland here. So this is not only the epitome of Zionism, this is really a fulfillment of biblical prophecy."
"We have absolutely mushroomed," said Charley Levine, Nefesh B'Nefesh spokesman. "We've tripled the number of Jews from America who are coming to live in Israel and it's just a wonderful process to behold. Some people are calling it a miracle."
Some say it's a miracle that sends a message.
Tony Gelbart is Nefesh B'Nefesh's co-founder.
"And I tell you what; it also sends a message to our friends and our enemies, that no matter what you do, that no matter what hardships, Katyusha rockets, Lebanon war, those things, whatever you do, Jews will always consider home Israel, Israel is home and coming home," Gelbart said.
They're not only coming home, but staying home.
"I think that the number 99 percent speaks eloquently for itself. That's the rate of our people who are here, who are staying here," Levine said.
The organizers goal is to bring 100,000 immigrants from North America to Israel. While these immigrants face big challenges, they believe it's proof the Zionist dream is still alive.
*Originally aired on October 16, 2007.
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