North American interest in moving to Israel has had a huge increase. According to Nefesh B’Nefesh, they have received 900 applications for June 2020—the highest number ever recorded since the group was founded over 20 years ago.
For those who don’t know, Nefesh B’Nefesh is basically the only group that coordinates North American Aliyah, so their numbers are a good reflection on current trends. I do not know of a single America or Canadian who has made Aliyah and not used them, and I mean none. They are a tremendous resource for anyone even contemplating the big move.
Compared to June 2019, when only 399 applications were filed, there is definitely something going on that’s causing such a large rise. We can speculate that it’s Covid, naturally. Of course, applications don’t guarantee follow through, but I think it’s very encouraging news.
The projected number of total immigrants will be 90,000 people by the end of 2021, which is amazing, compared to approximately 35,000 last year. (The majority will come from Europe.)
It is such a joy to see Israel growing and flourishing.
I’m thinking about taking my family but I worry about the economy and racism. We’re non-white and I’ve seen how that goes in the news about Israel.
Israel offers huge benefits for immigrants – housing, language school, medication, etc. It can be hard to find a job, so there is extra help available. I have Ethiopian friends that live by Tel Aviv and they have never complained about racism. Yes, there is discrimination everywhere, but it is not widespread. Most Israelis are very friendly and accepting.