'Go big and go home': North American families make aliyah in the shadow of war

On a warm Monday evening in early June, hundreds gathered on the grounds of a New Jersey synagogue to celebrate the upcoming aliyah, or immigration to Israel, of hundreds of North Americans. The event, organized by Nefesh B'Nefesh (NBN), provided a moment of community and support for those in the midst of the significant upheaval of moving.

Families enjoyed a festive atmosphere with food, music from Israeli entertainer DJ Raphi, face painting, and a photo booth stocked with props related to their journey. The mood was celebratory, yet underscored by an "excited stress" – the tension of executing a life-altering decision.

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We’re bringing mementos, a little bit of furniture, and my kitchen.

The gathering marked the New Jersey launch of NBN's 2022 summer aliyah season, held in partnership with Israel's Aliyah and Integration Ministry, the Jewish Agency for Israel, Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael-Jewish National Fund, and JNF-USA. More than 450 people attended, with a subsequent event in Toronto drawing over 200 participants.

Over the next few months, NBN anticipates facilitating the immigration of about 2,300 North Americans, including some 478 families, on 47 group flights from various U.S. cities. Alana Goldsmith, an educator of 18 years, shared her experience of reaching the packing stage, describing the difficult decisions about what to bring. Her family's visas had recently been approved, and they planned to move to Beit Shemesh within two months.

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It was never why or how. It was really just a matter of when.