Since 1948, over 120,000 Jews have immigrated to Israel from North America. These olim have contributed greatly to the social and financial vitality of the country. In spite of the war with Iraq and the conflict in the Middle East, there has been a 200% increase in Aliyah over the last few years. In 2001, 1,460 individuals made Aliyah, and in 2005 the number increased dramatically to approximately 2,987 (these estimates include Israelis, children of Israelis born abroad, and returning minors). In 2006, we expect over 3,000 olim.
In 2001, 198 participants took participated in Israel Programs such as Magen David Adom Ambulance Volunteers, Firefighters for Israel Volunteers, and Kibbutz Ulpan to name a few. By 2005, participation jumped 1000% with approximately 1,965 Israel Programs participants.
The Aliyah Department operates in 26 offices throughout North America, with ten Aliyah emissaries, five local workers from Israel, and several community shlichim. During the last few years, the number of shlichim across the continent has decreased due to budget cuts. The department has provided for special shlichim for the Orthodox sector, and the Conservative and Reform movements respectively. There are also shlichim for the Russian community stationed in Brooklyn who provide services for the Jewish Russian-speaking community nationwide.
The Aliyah Department initiated special activities for children of Israeli citizens residing in North America, including a program that allowed them to serve in the Israeli army through the Zofim (Scouts) Movement (TZABAR) and the "Bayit Hayisraeli" (Israeli Consulate special interest group). In 2004, the program doubled its numbers, and 2005 brought another increase of 170%. Although 27% of the program’s participants made Aliyah over the last few years, funding was still cut significantly.
Education is a very important tool for Aliyah promotion. Presently, we are promoting the Elite Academy Program, the North American branch of the larger program known as "Na’ale," a unique three-year scholarship program co-funded by the State of Israel and the Jewish Agency for Israel that allows North American students to study in yeshiva high schools or kibbutz regional high schools throughout Israel. Last year, 50 youngsters began their studies in Israel through the Elite Academy Program, and we expect another 100 to follow in 2007. The promotion of Aliyah via other “Free Study” programs has also been successful. Young adults are encouraged to relocate themselves to Israel for the duration of their college, graduate, and postgraduate study (at least) in order to take advantage of the free Bachelors, Masters, and PhD degrees offered to new Israeli citizens. A division of 70 young representatives are promoting this fresh approach to Aliyah on college campuses.
There are several specialized Aliyah initiatives currently being promoted in North America, including “Magshimim” in Montreal, a cohesive group of 15-20 young people planning on making Aliyah this year, and similar groups for religious young people in New York, New Jersey and other Jewish communities around the country. In addition, this year, many members of the community of former Bucharian Jews, led by Rabbi Borochov, will make a Aliyah under the Rabbi’s leadership.
In November 2002, the Israeli Government announced that it would provide as much financial support to olim immigrating from the West as it had been providing to immigrants from other parts of the world. This is a very important development for many North American olim who have fallen on hard times financially or have accumulated heavy debts financing their college educations.
"Nefesh B'Nefesh" is a voluntary organization that provides monetary grants and assistance to olim who commit to living in Israel for at least three years. Approximately 94% of olim who immigrated in the summer of 2004 have already found jobs in Israel thanks to “Nefesh B'Nefesh” and Jewish Agency efforts. The organization cooperates with and is sponsored by the Jewish Agency for Israel. The A.A.C.I (Association of Americans and Canadians in Israel), "Tehilla,” “Nefesh B’Nefesh,” and thousands of volunteers are work together to assist olim during their transition.
Over the last few years, new absorption initiatives, such as "Bo Habayta,” were created as well. The program invites those born on a Kibbutz, returning Israeli citizens, and new immigrants to live in community neighborhoods on the "renewed Kibbutz.” Other such projects include Communal Aliyah in Jerusalem, Raanana, Maale Adumim and Negev/Galilee with special benefits.
Without a doubt, the best Aliyah promotion is achieved by providing new olim with job opportunities. The Aliyah Department has created a special program called “Aliyah 2000,” which helps olim find jobs in an effort to ease their transition as well as improve the infrastructure of absorption. In order to ensure the priority of professional olim in the Israeli employment market, cooperation with the Ministry of Labor and the Ministry of Interior is necessary. Eliminating the job search, the most difficult part of the absorption process, from the equation will promote and encourage Aliyah among the Jewish community in North America. The Israeli Defense Force can contribute as well, by providing job opportunities for professionals such as medical professionals, lawyers, computer programmers, and scientists.
The continued increase of Aliyah from North America is vital to the growth of the State of Israel and the Jewish people. North American olim are highly-skilled and educated and as such represent a truly valuable resource. We hope to continue to attract these olim in new and innovative ways so that they can contribute to and help build the State of Israel for the next generation.
Regards,
Michael Landsberg
Executive Director of the North American Aliyah Delegation