New aliyah program makes a push for Israel’s north

While southern Israel has long held the slogan “make the desert bloom,” the country’s lush northern region is already blooming — yet it remains largely underdeveloped and in desperate need of fresh energy from new immigrants.

That’s where the Go North project comes in.

A program of aliyah organization Nefesh B’Nefesh, with support from the Russell Berrie Foundation of Teaneck, N.J., Go North encourages new immigrants to Israel to settle in the north. Nefesh B’Nefesh, which works in cooperation with various government offices and the Jewish Agency for Israel, is hoping to bring more than 1,000 newcomers to the north over the next few years.

Go North will provide additional support to Nefesh B’Nefesh immigrants who choose to settle in northern Israel. The project was made possible through a generous gift and partnership with the Russell Berrie Foundation, with additional funding from Israeli philanthropists and from the government of Israel.

The Russell Berrie Foundation funds innovative projects in Israel, 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 of Israel that is less Westernized and needs the skills, talents and energy they will bring.”

The Go North program aims to encourage immigrants who are drawn to northern Israel, but are held back because of concerns that moving to a less developed area will be difficult and costly.

The program will address these issues by providing significant financial grants and other forms of assistance specifically geared toward making the aliyah and absorption experience successful. Benefits will include enhanced financial grants, employment assistance and transportation subsidies.

Nefesh B’Nefesh will also appoint dedicated employment professionals and regional coordinators who will assist immigrants 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. “We are excited to be a part of the first concerted effort in Israel’s history to bring [Western immigrants] to the North and thereby build a stronger Israel.”

For more information, visit http://www.gonorth.org.il.