“I suddenly found myself flying over oceans, seeing my past life like in a movie while already seeing the dawn of a new horizon.”
For Haddass Engel, a physician who made Aliyah from Washington, D.C. to Jerusalem, the decision was the culmination of deep soul-searching, a sense of belonging, and an unshakable feeling that the time had come. “It was an idea slowly maturing to the feeling of certainty,” she says. “At the crossroad, the moment was now.”
October 7 became the final push. “Whatever the uncertain times, war or difficulties ahead, once my decision was made, it was definitive.”
She landed in Jerusalem to an unforgettable welcome—standing at City Hall, overlooking the stones of the Old City, greeted by Mayor Moshe Lion, and the Nefesh B’Nefesh team lead by co-founder Rabbi Yehoshua Fass. “It was such an honor to arrive in the eternal city that I now call home, welcomed by people who dedicate their lives to our beautiful city.”
Now living in Baka, Haddass reflects on her journey with peace, clarity, and a sense of calling: “This is where I belong, and I achieved my journey.”
She’s already looking to the future, eager to contribute her professional expertise to Israel’s innovation landscape—particularly in cancer research and medical technologies. “Other Olim around the world come with their own individual excellence,” she says. “Together, like a mosaic falling perfectly into place, we are ready to build a strong, flourishing new community… and I, as a doctor, am so proud to bring my stone to the edifice.”
Supporting Aliyah from Every Angle
For close to a quarter of a century, Nefesh B’Nefesh (NBN) in partnership with Israel’s Ministry of Aliyah and Integration, The Jewish Agency for Israel, Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael, and Jewish National Fund-USA, has been providing life-changing support before, during and long after the date of Aliyah.
In recent years, NBN’s mission has evolved in response to the changing needs of Israeli society and its growing community of Olim. What began with helping North American Jews navigate the logistics of immigration has grown into a multi-dimensional effort that touches nearly every aspect of Aliyah and integration.
The organization’s work now rests on four transformational pillars: the core mission of Aliyah and integration, support for Lone Soldiers and national service volunteers, programs that promote workforce development and regional growth, and educational initiatives that deepen global Jewish connection to Zionism. Together, these pillars address national priorities while reinforcing the long-term success of those who choose to call Israel home.
When increasing numbers of Olim began serving in uniform, NBN launched its National Service initiative. What began as ad hoc support evolved into a robust system in collaboration with the IDF and National Service agencies, offering emotional support and practical guidance for Lone Soldiers and Lone Bnot Sherut from around the world.
Recently, NBN unveiled the Bnot Sherut Residence, a state-of-the-art housing complex in Jerusalem that is set to open in August. This pioneering residence offers beautifully furnished apartments, onsite staff, a gym, lounge, and amenities—ensuring a true home away from home for over 100 volunteer women.
From Shortage to Solution: Medical Olim Step In
The National Development pillar reflects NBN’s growing role as a life-changing catalyst for professional integration and national workforce enrichment. One standout example is MedEx, launched to address Israel’s urgent shortage of physicians. The initiative helps North American doctors fast-track their Israeli licensure through intensive lobbying of the Health Ministry and strategic coordination with key decision-makers.
What began as a focused effort has evolved into the International Medical Aliyah Program (IMAP), a global partnership with Israel’s Ministries of Aliyah and Integration; Health; Negev, Galilee, and National Resilience, as well as The Jewish Agency for Israel. It is supported by the Marcus Foundation, the Gottesman Fund, Jewish Federations of North America, the Azrieli Foundation, and the Arison Foundation.
Dr. Tiffany Schatz, a seasoned physician from Pennsylvania, is one of the many who have benefited from IMAP. After attending MedEx conferences in New Jersey in 2023 and 2024, she and her husband Yaakov felt compelled to act after the October 7 attacks and accelerated their Aliyah.
“There are so many Jews who dream of Aliyah, but fear and the unknown hold them back,” Tiffany said. “If that’s really what they want, nothing should stop them—not timing, not jobs, not kids. Sometimes you just have to take the leap to make the dream come true. We jumped—and thank God—we landed exactly where we were meant to.”
Fostering Identity and Connection
NBN’s newest initiative, the Zionist Education Initiative (ZEI), brings thousands of gap-year students, school groups, and visiting missions to NBN’s centers in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. Through storytelling, seminars, and immersive experiences, ZEI fosters personal connection, Jewish identity, and awareness of Olim’s ongoing contributions to Israeli society.
“It’s not about urging people to make Aliyah,” says Rosenberg. “We’re telling the story of Israel through the people who choose to live it. That understanding deepens everyone’s connection—whether they decide to make Aliyah or not.”
