Miriam, Jack, and Zury, 20-year-old triplets from Mexico, made aliyah to Israel on their own, driven by a strong sense of Zionism. Two of them are already serving in the IDF: Miriam is finishing her service at Machal Alon on her way to becoming a combat medic in the Medical Corps, and Zury is a helicopter technician. The third, Jack, will soon be enlisting in Machal Alon and is expected to serve in the Navy.

For a long time, the triplets hadn't seen their mother, Reyna. This week, thanks to a Taglit program, Reyna arrived in Israel and was reunited with her triplets at Fiverr's offices. "The moment I hugged them, I felt my heart return to its place. Seeing them mature, develop, and serve the country together is an irreplaceable experience," Reyna shared.

The reunion is part of Taglit's volunteer program, which brings parents of Lone Soldiers to Israel to volunteer for two weeks in various communities across the country. The program allows them to contribute to the community while also meeting with their children who are serving in the IDF. Gidi Mark, CEO of Taglit, said: "Many Lone Soldiers choose to serve the country during a challenging period, after they chose to make aliyah out of a sense of mission. Now, their parents have chosen to follow in their footsteps, if only for a short time, both to contribute to the country and to embrace their children whom they haven't seen for many months."

As part of the series of visits, Taglit collaborates with commercial companies that host the parents and soldiers, including Fiverr, which hosted them together at the company's offices in Tel Aviv. It was an emotional reunion where the parents saw their children for the first time in many months. Shay Goldenberg, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility at Fiverr, added: "Fiverr and the Colors Foundation are proud to support Taglit's activities and are excited to take part in a reunion that brings together soldiers who made aliyah with their families. Supporting Lone Soldiers is our duty, and it's important to us to ensure that no soldier feels alone. This is our way of expressing our gratitude to those who protect us every day."

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The organization functions as a distinctive youth movement designed specifically for English-speaking teens who have made aliyah, establishing five regional branches across Israel's major Anglo communities. These branches create a comprehensive geographic coverage for families who have relocated from English-speaking countries.

The movement recently conducted a major Shabbaton (a Shabbat retreat) gathering that attracted more than 200 teenagers for a weekend spiritual experience, demonstrating the program's growing influence among young immigrants. The organization's broader parent entity, OU Israel, extends its mission beyond youth programming to support English-speaking immigrants across all age demographics through religious study sessions, community events, and targeted assistance programs.

Integrating after years of struggle

Effy Levy, a 25-year-old who immigrated from New Jersey at age four, experienced significant integration difficulties despite his early arrival in Israel. "I couldn't connect with other youth movements, and I felt like no one understood me. At NCSY Israel, I found a warm environment with people who spoke my language and shared similar experiences and challenges. I felt like I belonged," Levy explained.

The young man joined the movement during high school and subsequently transitioned from participant to advisor through the organization's mentorship structure. "They saw me as a human being. When I made aliyah, other children laughed at me. At NCSY Israel, for the first time, they laughed with me," Levy stated.

Following his high school graduation, Levy attended an NCSY Israel-organized event where program alumni discussed their experiences in various military and national service positions. "I was going through a confusing time, socially, academically, and religiously, and they helped me choose a pre-army yeshiva program and figure out which military role would suit me best," he recalled.

After completing his service in the IDF logistics corps, Levy maintained his volunteer involvement with NCSY Israel. In November 2023, one month after the current conflict began, he received a stage 4 cancer diagnosis. "My friends and staff from NCSY Israel came to visit and showed me such amazing support. It meant so much to me, and in my opinion, was part of what helped me recover," Levy shared.

"This movement changed me"

Yoni Mugrabi, a 21-year-old Modi'in resident currently serving as a combat aircraft technician in the Israeli Air Force, initially struggled with social connections within the movement. "At first, I didn't feel connected, but when the advisors shared their own experiences, I felt like I belonged. This movement changed me – I used to be the kind of kid who sat at the corner and didn't talk to others. Suddenly, I started opening up and connecting," Mugrabi recounted.

The young serviceman evolved into an NCSY Israel advisor and now provides guidance to current participants regarding their military service decisions. "I wanted to be a combat soldier, but NCSY Israel helped me understand what really fit me best. Now participants reach out to me themselves for advice," Mugrabi noted.

Leadership development builds confidence

Adira Marcus, a 19-year-old who immigrated at age ten, encountered placement difficulties in traditional Israeli educational and youth frameworks. "I couldn't find my place, not in my school nor in other Israeli youth movements. NCSY Israel was the first place where I felt comfortable, where they really understood me. Even now, when I'm no longer in the movement, I still feel seen and valued, thanks to the skills I developed there," Marcus explained.

Currently serving in her inaugural year of national service, Marcus credits her career inspiration to alumni connections made through the movement. "The leadership training I received at NCSY Israel helped me learn how to communicate with people, speak publicly, and believe in myself," she stated.

"After October 7th, I knew I had to serve this country"

Sarina Price, a 17-year-old who immigrated independently at the age of 15 two years ago, resides in boarding school accommodations while attending high school. "At first, I knew nothing – not even how to use public transportation or navigate life in Israel. Today, I know this is my home," Price reflected.

Price joined NCSY Israel following her immigration and credits the organization with maintaining her religious observance. "Being a new immigrant in boarding school is tough. I wanted to be with friends going through the same experiences. NCSY Shabbatons have helped me stay religious," she explained.

The teenager's service commitment crystallized following the October 7th attacks. "After October 7th, I knew I had to serve this country. It's not just a right, it's an obligation. They guided me through the decision process. When alumni came to speak with us, I talked with a girl who had taken a similar path to what I was aiming for, and she helped me register and decide when I was still confused," Price shared.

As NCSY Israel commemorates its tenth anniversary, program graduates continue demonstrating that immigrant youth can successfully integrate and contribute meaningfully to Israeli society. Despite facing substantial challenges, these young people have embraced their new homeland and actively participate in shaping its future development.

Rabbi Yosef Ginsberg, NCSY Israel's Regional Director, expressed organizational pride regarding alumni achievements. "Our pride as an organization is seeing our alumni fulfill an eternal dream – building the Holy Land with dedication and faith, even when it's challenging. With ten years of NCSY in Israel, we've been privileged to raise a generation that believes in their mission, loves their people, and remains faithful to both the Land and Torah," Ginsberg concluded.

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To an outside observer, it seems almost strange. An event in the heart of New Jersey with hundreds of visitors, citizens of the United States, interested in relocation. And not just any move, but to a country at war on seven fronts, some highly active and others hidden from view, simmering beneath the surface.

"After October 7, I decided I wanted to be with my people," is a common phrase repeated when approaching potential immigrants about why Israel has become a destination for them, especially now.

Nefesh B'Nefesh organizes together with the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration, Ministry of Health, and additional partners, the MedEx immigration fair for families and individuals day after day. This transforms a lengthy bureaucratic process into a quick experience with several stations in one hotel. While outside, anti-Israel protesters remind us that antisemitic persecution is not concentrated within Israel's borders but extends far beyond them.

At this event, which takes place annually, I met not only Jewish American citizens interested in immigrating to Israel but also those who want to specifically move to the Gaza border communities and the north, seeing it as a mission. While they circulate among the booths of hospitals and health maintenance organizations from Israel to explore job opportunities, I also meet Professor Salman Zarka, manager of Ziv Hospital in Safed, who came to the conference for the second consecutive year, this time to recruit a thoracic surgeon.

"The ratio of doctors in the north is the lowest in the country"

When I wonder if any of the immigrants expressed interest in Ziv Hospital, he responds: "They see things differently than Tel Avivians. What the north can offer is impact – influence, because proportionally the ratio of doctors in the north is the lowest in the country, so sometimes you arrive and you're the first doctor in your field."

Professor Zarka clarifies: "It's not just Zionism – as mentioned, you're looking for influence. Doctors in their 50s who already have established careers, what speaks to them and influences them is the desire to come and create change. I also have doctors in Israel who 'immigrated' from the 'State of Tel Aviv' to Safed," he says with a half-smile.

Ziv Hospital, which bore the burden of treating soldiers when the northern front was active, treated 1,330 wounded, some from the two most memorable and difficult events: the ground entry into Lebanon on the eve of Rosh Hashanah when large numbers of soldiers were wounded, and the missile strike on the children's playground in Majdal Shams. "The entire country is in post-traumatic stress," says Zarka. "Ziv's psychiatry department is considered a national center of excellence for all ages, including early childhood. The need for us will grow after the war for soldiers and the returning population."

"Now I want to immigrate to Israel"

Later, among the booths, I meet Amy Davis from Philadelphia, a palliative care physician who had been seeking ways to volunteer in Israel throughout the war. Among hundreds of volunteer doctors from the United States who came to Israel, Amy arrived for three months of volunteering at Herzog Hospital.

"Now I want to immigrate to Israel," she says. "I can offer my medical skills to people in Israel. They need doctors in the center of the country too, but I spent four weeks on a preliminary trip in Beersheba and Zichron Yaakov, and everything was so beautiful and quiet that I realized I love the more remote places."

Amy Davis also examined the war situation up close. She downloaded the Home Front Command app and assessed the time required to reach a protected space in the places she visited. "A 30-second alert is fine for me, but not less," she says. "With less time, you can't even run from the shower to the shelter."

Davis is expected to arrive in Israel this coming summer. Like her, Leandra and Paul Forman from Toronto, both family physicians, are exploring the possibility of immigrating and settling in Ashkelon and the Negev.

"It was a small dream that after October 7, we wanted to fulfill," says Leandra, and Paul adds: "We understood that we could give something back to our people. After 30 years of practicing family medicine, we want to do it for our people." Paul's parents are already in Yad Binyamin, which should make the transition easier.

"If everyone gives what they can to the people and the state – it will be a lot for the State of Israel," they describe their motivation and focus on the south of the country, as Professor Zarka explained earlier: "You want to be in a place where you're needed most, not in Netanya or Tel Aviv."

At the MedEx fair – which is part of a broader national program led by the Ministries of Aliyah and Integration, Health, Negev, Galilee, and National Resilience – together with Nefesh B'Nefesh and in partnership with the Jewish Agency, the Marcus Foundation, the Gottesman Foundation, Jewish Federations of North America and the Azrieli Foundation – Minister of Aliyah and Integration Ofir Sofer, Director General of the Ministry of the Negev and Galilee Yohanan Mali, and Deputy Director General of the Ministry of Health Dr. Sefi Mendelovich are also circulating among the attendees, along with senior officials from Nefesh B'Nefesh.

Two birds with one stone

The fair for doctors and medical professionals is a kind of flagship program for everyone. On one hand, it encourages immigration, and on the other hand, it addresses the worsening shortage of doctors in Israel, with an extra "encouragement" in the form of grants for doctors who will come to the Negev and Galilee. "In the past year, we have implemented the absorption of 519 immigrant doctors," says Minister Sofer. "This year's conference is larger than last year's, and this is significant news for Israeli citizens, alongside the strong desire of many Jews from around the world to support Israel and be part of the Zionist story."

Yohanan Mali, whose ministry budgets a grant of 400,000 shekels for doctors who decide to come to the Negev or Galilee, explains that often the decision hinges on other questions from potential immigrants. "They ask us about the education system, transportation, and employment opportunities for spouses.

"When we look at the willingness to move northward – these are the three main legs. Through this conference last year, we managed to bring a brain neurosurgeon to the south. We provide money for research and laboratories." In the end, or at the beginning, Mali says, doctors who come to Israel know they will have a dramatic decrease in income. "We can't compete with that, but once they've made the decision – we can provide them with a supportive framework."

The cooperation between the organization and government ministries also addresses Israel's current real need for doctors. In a conversation with Dr. Sefi Mendelovich, he explains that "There will be a dramatic drop in the number of doctors from 2026 following the Yatziv reform, but the vacuum is also a wonderful opportunity for renewal.

"These people here are our strategic rear"

"The Zionism of immigrant doctors aligns with a very specific need for doctors, especially in the periphery, where they will feel they are contributing much more." Regarding the war and the rehabilitation of the north, Mendelovich says: "We saw health funds that maintained clinics in Kiryat Shmona and other evacuated communities for over a year, this is the new plowline. Difficult years are coming in terms of doctor numbers, and these people here are our strategic rear. One doctor can elevate an entire department."

Among the booths at the conference, I was surprised to discover one belonging to the Tekuma Administration for the rehabilitation of Gaza border communities. At the booth sits Maya, who describes the enormous investment in healthcare (750 million shekels) in the Gaza border region, as well as the effort to recruit doctors for the community. "We offer a 300,000 shekel grant for doctors and require them to work in the region but not necessarily live there. Last year we brought one doctor to Sderot – and that's a world of difference for the residents. We're mainly working on the additional level for people who experienced trauma, and they are generally much more ill."

Converting a year into an hour

In another part of the world, immigrants take their certification documents out of large boxes. Just this morning they were hanging on the wall, but now they are brought to be verified on the way to receiving a license to practice medicine in Israel.

A process that takes an average of a year is shortened to just an hour. Deputy Director General of Nefesh B'Nefesh, Zeev Gershinski, says: "We have become the executive arm of the State of Israel in addressing the shortage of doctors. Just weeks after October 7, we handled, together with the Ministry of Health, hundreds of requests from doctors to come and volunteer in Israel. Now we are simply continuing that wave of solidarity and Zionism with those who want to make it permanent."

Just before evening falls, I meet Jonathan Hensch. He is walking around the fair with two suitcases, and it turns out that just a few hours ago he landed in the United States on his way back from Israel, where he had gone to accompany his eldest son who enlisted in the Golani Brigade.

While his wife and younger children wait in the car, he handles some of the immigration procedures at the fair and shares: "Israel has always been important to us, and October 7 is part of the reason we're doing this now. We were with my son in Israel, and a friend told me about this conference. It turned out we landed on the day it's taking place – it was meant to be."

While his son decided to give up a scholarship of excellence at a university to volunteer for the IDF, Jonathan decided on the complementary action. "Our children already study in Zionist schools today. My grandfather escaped from Budapest during the Holocaust and came to the United States, and he was sent to Egypt from where he transferred a great deal of weapons to Palestine for the fighting organizations. It's in our DNA. We're planning to immigrate this coming summer, but before that, we'll come to Israel for our son's beret ceremony."

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A decade of bureaucratic barriers for professional immigrants to Israel may be coming to an end following a groundbreaking government decision approved on Sunday that will streamline the licensing process for newcomers from Western countries.

After months of comprehensive preparations spearheaded by the Minister of Aliyah and Integration Ofir Sofer, in coordination with eight other ministries, licensed professionals planning to immigrate to Israel will now be able to initiate their licensing procedures before arriving in the country.

This marks a significant departure from the previous system, which required immigrants to first relocate to Israel before beginning a lengthy process of adapting their professional credentials to Israeli standards. The delay in obtaining Israeli licensing has historically been one of the most significant deterrents to immigration, often leading frustrated professionals to return to their countries of origin when faced with overwhelming bureaucratic obstacles.

The new framework will enable engineers, surveyors, veterinarians, accountants, insurance agents, financial advisors, social workers, and other professionals to submit their documentation remotely and secure temporary licenses prior to making aliyah and receiving their Israeli identity cards.

These temporary licenses will expedite the process of obtaining permanent credentials after arrival. Each profession will have its own specific standards determining the licensing timeline based on required specializations. Furthermore, the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration will provide personalized guidance to each immigrant to facilitate their integration into the Israeli workforce.

Concurrent with this reform, the ministry is also implementing programs specifically designed to attract Jewish medical doctors from around the world to Israel. Ministry officials project the new policy will generate 3.8 billion shekels ($1.07 billion) for the Israeli economy by 2034.

Minister Sofer expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and fellow ministers for their support, hailing the decision as a watershed moment: "Today's government approval represents real progress for current and prospective immigrants to Israel. I thank my fellow ministers of Finance, Education, Justice, Welfare, Health, Agriculture and Labor for their commitment to this historic legislation. This necessary reform will enable immigrants to maximize their professional potential immediately upon arrival. There's no justification for not recognizing valid credentials from advanced nations in Israel. This marks a significant advancement for both our economy and immigration."

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, congratulating Sofer, noted his long-standing advocacy for such reform despite bureaucratic resistance: "This is an initiative I've championed for years. The previous system wronged not only immigrants but Israel itself. Immigrants were subjected to unnecessary hardships. The removal of these employment barriers is truly welcome," Netanyahu said.

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The Supreme Court has directed the Beersheba District Court to reconsider a case in which the Interior Ministry seeks to revoke the citizenship of a Ukrainian man who immigrated to Israel in 1995. The state alleges the man's citizenship was fraudulently obtained.

The respondent received Israeli citizenship under the Law of Return, which grants automatic citizenship to individuals with Jewish heritage. Nearly two decades later, questions arose regarding the authenticity of the mother's birth certificate, with Ukrainian officials reportedly identifying inconsistencies in the archival records.

A separate document presented by the state purportedly raised further concerns, specifically the listing of the respondent's grandmother's nationality as "Jewish." Ukrainian officials suggested this record may have been falsified, noting her death certificate describes her nationality as "Ukrainian."

The district court ruled against revoking the man's citizenship, citing insufficient evidence. On appeal, the state introduced additional documentation under a classified report by Nativ, though the respondent received only a partial summary.

The respondent disputed the evidence, arguing that nationality listings in Ukrainian documents are unrelated to religious or ethnic identity. He sought the opportunity to question Nativ's representative about the new findings.

Justice Canfy-Steinitz admonished the state for delays in presenting critical evidence, calling the conduct "unsatisfactory."

The court underscored the high evidentiary threshold required to revoke citizenship, noting the severe consequences such actions can have on personal rights.

Nevertheless, the Supreme Court allowed the case to proceed in the interest of addressing serious fraud allegations. The matter was remanded to the district court to ensure a thorough examination and allow all parties to fully present their cases.

The court emphasized the importance of procedural fairness and clarity, given the high stakes involved in determining citizenship revocation.

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Despite the ongoing Gaza War, aliyah applications from North American Jews have surged significantly, with Nefesh B'Nefesh reporting a 70% increase in new cases opened compared to the previous year. The organization has processed 13,000 immigration files from the US and Canada this year, up from 7,500 during the same period last year.

The surge in interest comes as Nefesh B'Nefesh marks its 22nd anniversary since its founding by Rabbi Yehoshua Fass and businessman Tony Gelbart. In response to growing demand, the organization is opening a new center in Tel Aviv. The facility aims to expand support services for new immigrants and lone soldiers in the Tel Aviv metropolitan area. The innovative center is designed to enhance immigrant support services and will serve as a dynamic space offering various aliyah-related core services and activities.

Nefesh B'Nefesh has long supported lone soldiers, alongside other organizations, including through special assistance days at the Soldiers' House in Tel Aviv. The new 8,600-square-foot center, supported by JNF-USA, Friends of the IDF (FIDF), and the Marcus Foundation, will further ease the transition for new immigrants and lone soldiers.

The new center will provide guidance and support services for new immigrants and lone soldiers, offering programs for immigrant communities in the Tel Aviv metropolitan area, employment opportunities, and professional development.

The facility will be divided into two wings – an immigrant wing focusing on employment guidance, community events, integration tools, and bureaucratic assistance, and a wing dedicated entirely to lone soldiers. This joint program between Nefesh B'Nefesh and FIDF will provide resources to approximately 3,500 service members.

Additionally, the facility will house a resilience center, developed in partnership with Sheba Medical Center, providing mental health support for lone soldiers and their families.

Acccoring to Gelbart and Fass, "The opening of the new center in Tel Aviv is a dream come true, and we thank our partners for their assistance in establishing it. Three years after opening the Nefesh B'Nefesh House in Jerusalem, we recognized the growing need within the immigrant community for a place that provides comprehensive bureaucratic and social support.

"The expansion to Tel Aviv is a natural and necessary step, aimed at making our services and support more accessible to immigrants in the Tel Aviv metropolitan area. The new center will complement our Jerusalem headquarters' activities, allowing us to provide immigrants with an optimal experience and help address Israel's national needs through the power of immigration."

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In a tearful and emotional video posted Saturday night, "Law & Order" star Diane Neal shared with her 94,400 Instagram followers how grateful she is for her move to Israel and the love she has experienced there.

"When everything failed me, every institution, every place, and almost every person, the land of Israel opened its arms to me and welcomed me home," shared Neal, who immigrated to Israel last year with the help of Nefesh B'Nefesh organization and moved to Tel Aviv.

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"I'll be back home to Israel soon," said Neal, who is currently abroad. She then placed her hand on her heart and said, "To my home, Israel, to everyone I love, to everyone who cared for me, every congregation here and there, every one of my rabbis, and my friends. Thank you."

Neal, 48, is an American actress and politician best known for her role as Casey Novak, Assistant District Attorney in New York, on the series "Law & Order." Neal has Jewish roots on her mother's side, with grandparents who were Holocaust survivors from Hungary. Since making aliyah in March 2023, she has faced numerous online attacks over her decision to immigrate to Israel. Still, she consistently emphasizes that she is proud of her decision and stands behind it.

"To everyone who tears me apart," she said in a video posted several months ago, "stop being fed distorted information and learn the real facts. I will never stop being proud of being Jewish and Israeli."

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"There's no denying the uptick in antisemitism," states Edna Weinstock-Gabay, CEO of Keren Hayesod. Since the onset of the Gaza war, North America has witnessed a surge in antisemitic incidents, particularly on college campuses and in public discourse. Some communities have faced outright threats, while criticism of Israel has occasionally escalated into violence. In Canada, the phenomenon has spilled onto the streets, with a sharp rise in antisemitic incidents in public spaces.

"We're grappling with a new strain of antisemitism emerging from the Left," Weinstock-Gabay explains. "This presents a unique challenge for Jewish communities, which were more accustomed to confronting antisemitism from the far-Right – like the devastating attack on the Pittsburgh synagogue a few years ago."

The growing antisemitism has seeped into the daily lives of North American Jews. An Orthodox Jew from New York describes his new reality, "Before I step out of my apartment, I have to weigh whether to wear a kippah or a hat, whether to display my hostage pin or conceal it under my shirt." The situation in Canada mirrors these concerns. Sarah Mali, CEO of the Jewish Federations of Canada-UIA (the umbrella organization for all Jewish federations in the country) in Israel, reports that some Canadian Jews are now hiding religious symbols and avoiding public displays of their Jewish identity.

"Let's be clear – Jews in Canada still enjoy a good quality of life," Mali asserts. "But we can't ignore the extreme incidents that have erupted since Oct. 7. There's a palpable increase in feelings of insecurity. Some people are thinking twice about wearing kippahs, and I know of individuals who now lower their blinds when lighting Shabbat candles."

A campus crisis In the United States, the spotlight has fallen squarely on colleges, where a troubling wave of antisemitism and anti-Israel sentiment has taken root. Shira Ruderman, CEO of the Ruderman Family Foundation, brings a personal perspective to this issue. With her daughter studying at Columbia University in New York and her son at Northeastern University in Boston, the campus climate has become both a personal and broader concern.

"It feels like the entire ideological and value system we believed in is crumbling," Ruderman reflects. "We thought we had it all figured out, that being Jewish in America was a non-issue. We saw ourselves as global citizens, fully integrated. Then suddenly, it's as if someone held up a mirror, forcing us to confront a harsh reality. The fundamental question has become: Does Israel have a right to exist? I'll be honest – I'm uneasy about my daughter being at Columbia right now. It's not just about physical safety; I worry about the intellectual assault, the potential brainwashing happening there."

Ruderman points out that even in the United States, long celebrated as a bastion of religious freedom and free speech, Jews are now grappling with whether to conceal their identity. "In some areas, there's genuine fear. Recently, a young woman had her Star of David necklace ripped off while riding the subway. On campuses, students have formed 'protection squads' to accompany each other. It's surreal – here we are in 2024 America, and Jewish students need escorts. Others don't even feel safe leaving their apartments."

Strengthening community bonds Yet, in the face of these challenges – or perhaps because of them – Jewish communities across North America are demonstrating remarkable resilience. Becky Caspi, CEO of the Jewish Federations of North America in Israel, reports a surge in interest from previously unaffiliated Jews seeking to connect with their communities. "Since Oct. 7, we've seen a strong desire among Jews to belong, to actively participate in Jewish life," she explains.

The landscape of Jewish community life in North America is vast and varied. There are approximately 500 Jewish communities spread across the US and Canada. Of these, 146 are organized as federations (the majority in the US), while the remainder are smaller communities without extensive professional infrastructure. The events of Oct. 7, however, have reshuffled priorities across the board.

"We're witnessing a groundswell of interest in Jewish communal life," Caspi notes. "Our challenge now is finding meaningful ways to welcome and integrate these individuals into our communities. Our data shows that about a third of Jews are eager to deepen their understanding of Israel and Jewish life. Approximately a quarter express interest in becoming more involved in their local Jewish community activities."

The tragic events of Oct. 7 have rekindled a sense of Jewish national identity among North American Jews. This has translated into increased solidarity with Israel, even among those who previously showed little interest in the country. Many are rediscovering their Jewish roots, spurred in part by the rise in antisemitism. There's a growing recognition within the community that unity is essential for strength.

A young Jewish resident of Texas encapsulates this shift, "As a secular Jew, I've found myself more inclined to observe holidays and openly discuss my Jewish identity since Oct. 7." The sentiment echoes across Jewish communities, with many reporting that recent events have elevated their Jewish identity to a core component of their self-perception, both internally and in their public personas.

While acknowledging the gravity of rising antisemitism, Caspi advocates for a measured perspective. "Yes, people are more apprehensive. Some are choosing to remove visible Jewish symbols. This antisemitism demands our attention and a well-crafted response. But let's be clear – this is not pre-Holocaust Germany. Our government institutions, law enforcement, and judicial systems stand firmly in support of the Jewish community. We are not alone in this fight."

Paradoxically, the surge in antisemitism and general instability has sparked increased interest in aliyah (immigration to Israel). Thousands have inquired about their eligibility to make the move. However, Edna Weinstock-Gabay notes a disconnect between interest and action: "Despite the heightened curiosity, we're actually seeing a 43% decrease in the number of people immigrating to Israel."

The gap between interest and action can largely be attributed to the current climate of uncertainty in Israel. The tense security situation, economic instability, and ongoing internal debates surrounding judicial reform have given many potential immigrants pause. Americans and Canadians, accustomed to relative stability, are hesitant to uproot their lives without assurances about their future in Israel.

Yet, amidst these challenges, North American Jewry has demonstrated an unprecedented level of support for Israel since Oct. 7. This mobilization has taken various forms: financial contributions, volunteer efforts, and public displays of solidarity. A prime example was the massive march in Washington, DC last November, which drew over 300,000 participants.

"Toronto witnessed a similar outpouring of support, with tens of thousands of Jews marching in solidarity," Mali recounts. "In other cities, smaller groups have taken to the streets, proudly waving Israeli flags. While being Jewish in Canada today comes with its complexities, this period has also highlighted the deep commitment Jews feel towards Israel. Canada boasts one of the strongest philanthropic Jewish communities worldwide. I was particularly moved by a 7-year-old boy from Victoria Island who lives with disabilities. He wrote me a letter, asking that his modest contribution be used to buy shoes for evacuees. These gestures speak volumes about our community's spirit."

The financial support from Jewish communities has been nothing short of extraordinary. This includes substantial donations from wealthy individuals as well as grassroots efforts collecting contributions dollar by dollar. To date, an impressive $852 million has been raised. Caspi asserts, "And we're not done yet."

Concurrent with these fundraising efforts, the community has intensified its lobbying efforts, seeking support for Israel from elected officials and senior leadership in both the U.S. and Canada. The Federation is channeling these funds towards rehabilitation and economic strengthening initiatives in Israel. This includes a community resilience loan fund and grants to various settlements.

Keren Hayesod has also played a significant role, amassing over half a billion shekels. These funds have been directed toward addressing critical issues in Israel, working in tandem with organizations like the Jewish Agency. The money supports terror victims, aids regional councils in the north and south of the country, and funds various other essential projects.

A billion-dollar show of support "Jewish communities have contributed over a billion dollars to Israel," Shira Ruderman states emphatically. "This level of mobilization is unprecedented." Becky Caspi adds, "These staggering figures underscore North American Jewry's unwavering commitment to Israel in times of crisis."

Sarah Mali strikes a note of cautious optimism: "While we're navigating a complex situation, I remain hopeful. This past year has shown that the Canadian Jewish community can stand firm in the face of adversity. Yes, we face threats, but we've also strengthened our resolve. Our community now proudly proclaims: We are strong and proud Jews."

Shira Ruderman offers a concluding perspective on the state of American Jewry: "The Jewish community in America is robust, with Israeli-Americans playing a particularly vital role. There are approximately 850,000 Israelis living here, and they all share a common surname – Zionism. They wear their Israeliness and Judaism as badges of honor, without shame or compromise."

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In a striking display of solidarity, hundreds of young North American Jews are choosing to immigrate to Israel despite the ongoing Gaza war. Many of the newcomers are not only committed to building their lives in the Jewish state but are also planning to enlist in the IDF upon arrival. 

From June to August, approximately 1,500 North American immigrants arrived in Israel through the collaborative efforts of Nefesh B'Nefesh, the Aliyah and Integration Ministry, the Jewish Agency, Jewish National Fund-USA, and Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael. The majority of the new olim are young adults who have decided to tie their futures to Israel, particularly during this tumultuous period.

Since Oct. 7, about 3,170 new immigrants have made their way to Israel from North America. Nefesh B'Nefesh projects that an additional 700 will arrive by the end of September. Rabbi Yehoshua Fass, CEO of Nefesh B'Nefesh, expressed his admiration, "The significance of the number of immigrants arriving here, especially during these challenging times, is beyond words. They serve as a wellspring of strength and inspiration for all of us." Aliyah and Integration Minister Ofir Sofer pledged ongoing support, "Our programs will continue to assist immigrants and motivate thousands more to take this momentous step."

Israel Hayom spoke with three youngsters who immigrated to Israel in late August, having made their decision even before the current war erupted. Far from deterring them, recent events have only reinforced their conviction that they've made the right choice.

Atara Teitelman, 21, New York

"I aspire to be part of a nation that stands firm in its convictions"

Atara, a Stern College graduate, was raised in an Orthodox Zionist household. Her father serves as a synagogue rabbi, and she attended a Jewish school during her Brooklyn upbringing. She recalls that Israel was a constant topic of conversation at home, with discussions ranging from the country's history to observances of Yom HaZikaron and celebrations of Jerusalem Day.

After completing high school four years ago, Atara spent a year in Israel, studying and living at Kibbutz Migdal Oz in Gush Etzion. "That year exposed me to Israeli culture and gave me a profound sense of security. I connected deeply with the values of the people here and realized that Israel is where I want to raise my future family."

Atara subsequently returned to the US to care for her younger sister, who was battling cancer, and began her studies at Stern College in New York. Now, she feels the time is right to make her move.

"I want to be part of a nation that stands firmly for its beliefs and remains resilient. It's somewhat daunting, but I've been planning this aliyah for years, and Israel is always facing some challenge. Even when I think the situation has calmed and it's a good time to move, who can guarantee what next month might bring? Yes, it's scary, but sometimes you need to embrace that fear and move forward."

Atara plans to settle in Jerusalem's Talpiot neighborhood and work with the Bnei Akiva youth movement. She will soon begin pursuing a degree in business administration.

Grace Schenk, 30, Chicago

"Waiting for complete calm would mean never making aliyah"

Grace's most recent visit to Israel was in April 2023, a ten-day trip to see relatives in Metula and Ashkelon after a four-year absence due to the pandemic.

"It felt as if I had never left. Being there felt completely natural," she reminisces. Upon returning to the US, Grace experienced a sense of unease. "I felt deeply saddened. I realized I wasn't where I wanted to be in life. When I confided in a friend about my desire to make aliyah, the moment I voiced it aloud, I felt an immense weight lift from my chest. My instincts had recognized what I truly wanted before my conscious mind had caught up."

Breaking the news to her parents was challenging. Grace also sought advice from her grandmother, who had immigrated to the US from South Africa in her twenties. "I asked her about her experience, and she emphasized how different it was then. There were no phones or instant communication like we have today. When she left South Africa and her family, she knew she might never see them again. She reassured me, 'It's okay, I know we'll see each other again.' Today, the circumstances are very different."

Grace made her final decision to make aliyah last August, and even the outbreak of conflict two months later didn't shake her resolve. "If I wait for a period of complete calm to move to Israel, I'll never make the leap. This is something I need to do now."

Grace isn't fazed by the threat of rockets. She's already experienced attacks during visits to Ashkelon and knows exactly how to respond during alerts. Although her future apartment in Ramat Gan lacks a built-in safe room, she's already located the nearest public shelter. "For some reason, I've never been afraid of this aspect of life here," she says with a smile. 

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Aliyah from North America at the beginning of 2024 is slightly lower than it was at the start of 2023 – 602 Olim arrived between January and April this year, compared to 725 last year. However, Avichai Kahana, the Director General of the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration, is convinced that those who make Aliyah this year will come at much larger numbers than in previous years. "Despite the war, 1,500 to 1,600 people are expected to arrive in just July and August alone," he says. "Based on our knowledge of Aliyah intentions, in 2024, we will break the records of the last ten years, with around 4,000 Jews making Aliyah to Israel from North America."

It turns out that the Swords of Iron War is not deterring Jews from the USA, Canada, and Mexico who are interested in making Aliyah to Israel; in fact, interest has only increased. "After years of a consistent decline in Aliyah files from these countries, since October 7, we have seen a surge in the opening of files in North America. These are numbers we haven't seen in decades," Kahana says. May was a peak month: 580 Aliyah files were opened in North America. This step indicates a practical interest in coming to Israel, living here, and becoming Israelis. "It's not just making a phone call and asking, but filling out forms to start the bureaucracy," he explains.

Not all files ultimately lead to Aliyah, he says, but only "Between 50 to 70 percent." Nevertheless, "We see that the wave is already coming. In France, there is a 500 percent increase in file openings. In South Africa, there is also a significant awakening. In North America, we see month after month that the number of Aliyah files being opened is twice as much as before. It's consistent, and not a peak. And it's crazy because even under war, under rockets, under a semi-existential threat from the north and Iran – amid all this, Olim are coming in numbers that haven't been seen in any other year, and twice as many are seriously interested in making Aliyah to Israel."

Are they coming out of Zionism and love for the country, or because of the difficulty of living in the United States at such a time, with blatant antisemitism in the streets?

"They are coming first and foremost because of love for Israel and solidarity. Most of the Olim are young or young families. On our tours abroad, especially in North America, they tell us: we want to participate in building Israel in the day after. After the Yom Kippur War and the 1982 Lebanon War, there were similar waves of Aliyah from people who felt more connected to Israel than ever. Among the many fallen in the war, there were quite a few lone soldiers, and we have sad but moving stories of parents who decided to make Aliyah to Israel after their son was killed in battle. The family of Andrei Kozlov, the hostage who was freed in a military operation a few weeks ago, is also now makeing Aliyah to Israel."

A Picture of Victory

Even before October 7, Kahana says, Minister of Aliyah and Integration Ofir Sofer instructed the ministry staff to focus on encouraging young Olim from western countries. Some Olim come for undergraduate or graduate studies, others are young doctors and psychologists who come with their families, and more. "Today, we provide increased assistance to Olim who choose to live in the north, the south, Judea and Samaria, or national priority areas. They receive two years of support of two thousand shekels per month for rent," Kahana says. Most Olim prefer cities with established Anglo-Saxon communities; but according to Kahana, new such communities are slowly being created, partly with the ministry's encouragement: "For example, in Kiryat Gat, an amazing Anglo-Saxon community is developing and growing."

The Director General of the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration reports that in the past year, a revolution has been taking place in the services the ministry provides to immigrants. "Hundreds of employees accompany them, checking where they are learning Hebrew and how, where the children are being educated, and whether they are finding suitable employment. Those coming from western countries can usually integrate quickly into the Israeli job market. I have a friend who works at Amazon, and when he opened two positions at Amazon in Tel Aviv – within two days, he received five inquiries from Jews in North America who told him they wanted to make Aliyah to Israel and get one of those jobs.

"We are developing many programs around the question of how to integrate them, not just how to get them to make Aliyah. Many of them have opportunities all over the world. A young person from New York who was sure they wanted to study at Columbia, but changed their mind because of the situation – could go to Miami, where it's easier, or to Los Angeles. In other words, in the end, we also need to be attractive. Other countries do this too, looking for doctors: England, Germany, Hungary, and even Canada."

Regarding the antisemitic propaganda in the USA – might it not intensify if Jews are perceived as "potential Israelis"? Presenting them as citizens who are not truly loyal to the USA.

"American Jews tell us that antisemitism doesn't ask that question. An antisemite is an antisemite not because Jews come to Israel. But we act responsibly and professionally, and greatly respect the places Jews come from. Minister Sofer is in close contact with community and federation leaders. I don't think Aliyah increases antisemitism; unfortunately, it grows on its own."

Maybe it weakens the fight against it. If the solution we offer is "leave, come to Israel" – it's kind of giving up.

"In the government and even in the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration, efforts are made to strengthen the Jews there. There are sabbaticals, tours, and visits. Yes, October 7 was a great blow to the state and the nation, but Aliyah is a picture of victory, and it is a great opportunity for the State of Israel. These people come and strengthen us, they are a tremendous human resource, and the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration sees itself as the human resources department of the state as well."

What message would you like to convey to the Israeli public?

"The public must be partners in the great challenge of absorbing Olim. We are all immigrants or children of immigrants. In the Aliyah wave of the 1990's, the public in Israel was committed to the integration efforts. Soon, we will launch a campaign that will once again call on Israelis to welcome Olim. This is always true, and certainly during wartime. The Olim are building Israel, and we must do everything to integrate them – in the neighborhood, in employment, in communities, and in schools. This is an important statement to the Israeli public internally, but it also calls on our brothers abroad – come."

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