2007: Record year for North American aliyah

Upon their arrival at Ben Gurion Airport, the newcomers will be received by a welcoming ceremony with the participation of hundreds of citizens who have already made aliyah from North America in recent years.

Olim arrive in Israel last year (Video courtesy of Nefesh B’Nefesh)

Over the past five years, the number of olim from the United States and Canada has increased by about 80 percent. According to data by the Nefesh B’Nefesh organization, over 3,500 people will make aliyah from North America during 2007.

The Aliyah Department of the Jewish Agency for Israel is anticipating that immigration to Israel from North America will increase between 5 and 10 percent this year, marking the highest year for aliyah from North America in 25 years. In 2006, 3,200 residents of the US and Canada formally became Israeli citizens, the highest figure since 1983.

Cooperation between the Jewish Agency and Nefesh B'Nefesh, however, has been discontinued due to differences between the two organizations, which have worked together on bringing olim to Israel up until recently.

The split has been attributed, among other things, to disputes over financial issues and to Nefesh B'Nefesh's ability to be selective in receiving applicants for aliyah, as opposed to the Jewish Agency, which has to accept anybody who fulfils the criterion for aliyah as set out under the Law of Return.