Nefesh B’Nefesh Expects 2,000 North American Immigrants This Summer

Key Takeaways

• About 2,000 North American immigrants will arrive in Israel summer 2025 on 14 group flights.
• Since October 7, 2023, over 4,430 North Americans made aliyah; 47% motivated by Zionist ideals.
• New immigrants receive financial aid, Hebrew courses, and post-arrival support from Nefesh B’Nefesh.

Thousands of North American Immigrants Set to Arrive in Israel: Summer 2025 Aliyah Surge

Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How

This summer, Israel 🇮🇱 is preparing to welcome about 2,000 new immigrants (olim) from North America. These arrivals, expected between June and September 2025, are part of a growing trend of North American Jews choosing to make Israel their new home. The organization Nefesh B’Nefesh, working closely with Israel’s Ministry of Aliyah and Integration and other partners, is leading this effort. The first group flight landed in early July, bringing 45 new immigrants from the United States 🇺🇸 and Canada 🇨🇦, with more group and charter flights scheduled throughout the season. This wave of aliyah (Jewish immigration to Israel) follows a sharp rise in interest since the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack, which has deeply affected Jewish communities worldwide.

A Summer of Growth: Key Numbers and Trends

• 2,000 North American immigrants are expected in Israel this summer, arriving on 14 group flights.
• The first group flight of the season landed in early July 2025, with 45 olim from the United States 🇺🇸 and Canada 🇨🇦.
• Twelve more group flights are scheduled, including the first large charter flight since October 2023, which will bring over 220 immigrants.
• Since October 7, 2023, over 4,430 North Americans have made aliyah, and more than 13,500 new aliyah requests have been filed with Nefesh B’Nefesh.
• Jerusalem remains the top destination city, with 1,725 new arrivals since October 2023.

Why Are North Americans Moving to Israel Now?

The reasons behind this surge are both emotional and practical. According to Nefesh B’Nefesh, 47% of applicants say their main motivation is Zionist ideals and solidarity with Israel. Many North American Jews feel a renewed connection to Israel 🇮🇱 after recent geopolitical events, especially the October 2023 attack and the rise in global antisemitism. Marc Rosenberg, Vice President of Diaspora Partnerships at Nefesh B’Nefesh, describes this as a “reactivated identity,” with people wanting to stand with Israel and be part of its future.

Who Are the New Immigrants?

The new olim come from all walks of life. They include:

• Professionals: Engineers, doctors, lawyers, teachers, chefs, and tech workers
• Families: Parents with young children, couples, and multi-generational households
• Lone Soldiers: Young adults who plan to serve in the Israel Defense Forces without immediate family in the country
• National-Service Volunteers: Young people who want to contribute to Israeli society
• Retirees: Older adults seeking a new chapter in Israel

Ages range from infants to people in their seventies. This diversity shows that aliyah is not just for one group, but for anyone who feels a connection to Israel and wants to build a life there.

How Does the Aliyah Process Work?

Making aliyah is a step-by-step journey. Here’s how North American immigrants typically move to Israel with the help of Nefesh B’Nefesh:

1. Application Submission: Start by filling out an aliyah application through Nefesh B’Nefesh or the Jewish Agency for Israel.
2. Document Verification: Attend an interview with a local Aliyah Shaliach (representative) and present original documents, such as birth certificates and proof of Jewish heritage.
3. Approval: Receive an official approval letter, usually within about 60 days of the interview.
4. Visa Issuance: Apply for an aliyah visa at the Israeli consulate. This process usually takes 14–18 business days. For more details, visit the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration’s official website.
5. Flight Booking: Once approved, book a group or individual aliyah flight through Nefesh B’Nefesh or the Jewish Agency.
6. Arrival in Israel: Upon landing, new immigrants receive temporary resident status, a Teudat Zehut (Israeli ID card), and register for health insurance.
7. Post-Aliyah Support: Access financial benefits, Hebrew language courses, and community integration programs.

What Support Do New Immigrants Receive?

Israel 🇮🇱 has expanded its support for new olim in recent years, making the transition smoother and more welcoming. Key benefits include:

• Financial Assistance (Sal Klita): New immigrants receive monthly payments for their first six months in Israel. The initial payment at the airport was doubled in 2024 to help with immediate needs.
• Rent Assistance: Extra help is available for those living in national priority areas, which are regions the government wants to strengthen.
• Tax Discounts: Significant reductions on purchase taxes for new immigrants.
• Language Support: Enhanced Hebrew-language instruction, both in-person and online, to help olim adjust quickly.
• Community Support: Ongoing help from Nefesh B’Nefesh, including events, counseling, and local support groups.
• Guided Aliyah Program: For those already in Israel on other visas, this program helps them switch to immigrant status smoothly.

Recent Policy Changes and Practical Implications

The Ministry of Aliyah and Integration has introduced several new programs to make aliyah easier:

• Streamlined Processes: Faster document checks and visa processing, with most applications approved within two months.
• Guided Aliyah: Special help for people already living in Israel on student, work, or tourist visas who want to become permanent residents.
• Focus on Medical Professionals: Special initiatives to attract doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers, aiming to strengthen Israel’s medical system.

These changes reflect the government’s commitment to making aliyah as smooth as possible, especially during a time of increased demand.

Stakeholder Perspectives: Voices from the Field

Government Leaders: Ofir Sofer, Israel’s Minister of Immigration and Absorption, calls the new immigrants “real heroes,” stressing the importance of welcoming and integrating them as a national priority. Municipal leaders in cities like Jerusalem are also preparing to help new arrivals settle in and become part of the community.

Nefesh B’Nefesh: The organization provides comprehensive support, from pre-aliyah counseling to post-arrival integration. They host community events across North America to answer questions and guide families through the process.

Jewish Agency for Israel: This partner organization notes that the current wave of aliyah is driven by both ideological commitment and practical concerns about safety and belonging. Many applicants say they feel safer and more at home in Israel, especially given recent events in North America and around the world.

A Closer Look: Why Now?

The sharp rise in aliyah interest is directly linked to the aftermath of the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack. Many North American Jews felt a renewed sense of solidarity with Israel 🇮🇱 and wanted to take action. At the same time, rising antisemitism in the United States 🇺🇸 and Canada 🇨🇦 has made some families feel less secure, prompting them to consider a move to Israel.

According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, this combination of emotional connection, practical concerns, and expanded government support has created a “perfect storm” for increased aliyah. The numbers back this up: since October 2023, there has been a 70–76% increase in aliyah file openings compared to the previous year.

Jerusalem: The Top Destination

Jerusalem remains the most popular city for North American immigrants, with 1,725 new arrivals since October 2023. The city’s rich history, vibrant Jewish life, and strong support networks make it an attractive choice for families and individuals alike.

Other popular destinations include Tel Aviv, Haifa, and smaller communities across the country. Many new immigrants choose to live in national priority areas, where they can receive extra financial and community support.

The Role of Nefesh B’Nefesh

Founded in 2002, Nefesh B’Nefesh has helped more than 85,000 North Americans make aliyah, including over 25,000 to Jerusalem. The organization works in partnership with Israel’s Ministry of Aliyah and Integration, the Jewish Agency for Israel, Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael, and JNF-USA.

Nefesh B’Nefesh offers:

• Pre-Aliyah Counseling: Personalized advice on paperwork, housing, jobs, and schools.
• Flight Arrangements: Booking group and charter flights for new immigrants.
• Post-Arrival Support: Help with paperwork, finding a home, and joining the local community.
• Community Events: Workshops, fairs, and social gatherings in North America and Israel.

For more information or to start the aliyah process, visit the Nefesh B’Nefesh official website.

What’s Next? The Future of North American Aliyah

The Ministry of Aliyah and Integration is preparing for even more arrivals in the coming years. As global antisemitism and solidarity movements continue, interest in aliyah is expected to remain high. Special attention is being given to recruiting medical professionals, young families, and lone soldiers.

Nefesh B’Nefesh and its partners are expanding their programs to meet the growing demand. This includes more group flights, enhanced language courses, and new community-building initiatives.

Practical Guidance for Prospective Immigrants

If you are considering making aliyah from North America, here are some steps to help you get started:

• Contact Nefesh B’Nefesh: Their counselors can answer your questions and guide you through the process.
• Gather Documents: You’ll need proof of Jewish heritage, birth certificates, and other official papers.
• Plan Ahead: Think about where you want to live, what kind of job you’ll look for, and how your family will adjust.
• Learn Hebrew: Taking language classes before you arrive can make the transition easier.
• Stay Informed: Check official websites for the latest updates on benefits, visa processing, and community resources.

Key Resources

• Nefesh B’Nefesh Official Website
• Ministry of Aliyah and Integration
• Jewish Agency for Israel

Summary Table: North American Aliyah to Israel, Summer 2025

Conclusion: Building Israel’s Future Together

The summer of 2025 marks a significant moment for North American aliyah. With thousands of new immigrants arriving, Israel 🇮🇱 is not only growing in numbers but also in diversity and strength. The partnership between Nefesh B’Nefesh, the Israeli government, and Jewish organizations worldwide is making it easier than ever for North American Jews to start a new life in Israel.

For those considering this journey, the path is clearer and more supportive than ever before. With expanded benefits, streamlined processes, and a welcoming community, the dream of living in Israel is within reach for thousands more North American families and individuals.

If you’re ready to take the next step, reach out to Nefesh B’Nefesh or your local Jewish Agency representative. Israel is waiting to welcome you home.

Learn Today

Aliyah → The immigration of Jews to Israel, often for permanent settlement or citizenship.
Olim → Hebrew term for Jewish immigrants who make aliyah to Israel.
Sal Klita → Financial assistance program providing monthly payments to new olim for initial integration period.
Teudat Zehut → An Israeli identity card given to residents, including new immigrants.
Guided Aliyah → A program assisting immigrants already in Israel to transition to official immigrant status.

This Article in a Nutshell

In summer 2025, Israel welcomes 2,000 North American immigrants amid rising aliyah interest. Nefesh B’Nefesh leads support, emphasizing Zionist solidarity and diverse immigrant profiles. Streamlined processes and expanded benefits ease transition. Jerusalem remains the top destination. This surge reflects global events shaping Jewish identity and community commitment.
— By VisaVerge.com