Nefesh B’Nefesh, which facilitates Aliyah (immigration to Israel) from North America, is celebrating a historic milestone with 1,000 Olim (immigrants) arriving in August. 2021 is shaping up to be a record-breaking year in Aliyah with an expected 42% increase.
August’s numbers surpassed any previous month in the organization’s history.
According to the organization, 1,912 new Olim (immigrants) made Aliyah from North America during the summer months on 40 group flights.
The new Olim include 362 families, 391 singles and 160 retirees.
The end of the summer brings the total number of Olim this year to more than 3,000, with the organization on its way to hit its expected target of 4,500-5,000 Olim for 2021.
Since the beginning of the year, 18,520 Olim from around the world have made Aliyah.
“Despite the many challenges surrounding the pandemic, the resilience of our Olim and dedication from our staff and partners, have enabled us to celebrate our largest Aliyah month ever,” said Rabbi Yehoshua Fass, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Nefesh B’Nefesh.
The majority of Olim hailed from New York, New Jersey, California, Florida and Maryland.
Jerusalem, Beit Shemesh, Tel Aviv – Yafo, Ra’anana and Modiin are the top destinations for the Olim. Olim also moved to Efrat and Gush Etzion.
The oldest Olah this summer was a 96-year-old woman and the youngest was a 4-month-old girl. 46% of the Olim are men and 54% are women.
The top professions among the Olim were lawyers, educators and academics, physicians and social workers, as well as many young students who plan to benefit from the many top tertiary educational institutions around the country.
In addition, 162 future lone soldiers and 39 national service volunteers made Aliyah.
The Olim arriving in the summer include 464 school-age children who will begin school on Wednesday.
